Data processing system executing predetermined data processing by plurality of apparatuses linking

ABSTRACT

A data processing system includes a unit which executes predetermined data processing by linking first and second apparatuses, a communication control unit which establishes and maintains a communication connection between the apparatuses even if the connection is not in a predetermined operation state capable of executing data processing, a pairing unit which causes the apparatuses to transition to a pairing state, and a control unit which, if the apparatuses&#39; transition to the pairing state is not in a predetermined operation state, causes transition to the operation state by transmitting predetermined signals between the apparatuses via the communication control unit. The execution unit causes the apparatuses to transition to a pairing state, and then executes data processing by linking them. The communication control unit judges whether to establish a communication connection between the apparatuses by referencing pairing states between them, and of a combination with another first or second apparatus.

This application is a Divisional application of U.S. application Ser.No. 15/010,484, filed Jan. 29, 2016, which is based on and claims thebenefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2015-020704,2015-056243, 2015-056242, 2015-216558 and 2015-216559, respectivelyfiled on Feb. 4, 2015, Mar. 19, 2015, Mar. 19, 2015, Nov. 4, 2015 andNov. 4, 2015, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a data processing system that executesa predetermined data processing by a plurality of devices linking, and adata processing device.

Related Art

Conventionally, technology has been known that uses Wi-Fi communicationor Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication in the case of sendingimage data formed by photographing with an imaging device such as adigital camera to a portable terminal such as a smartphone, and sendinginstruction information related to photography from the portableterminal to the imaging device (refer to Patent Document 1).

In addition, in recent years, it has become possible to also use thetechnology of BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (trademark) enabling to performcommunication with lower electric power consumption.

In various communication technologies, characteristics such ascommunication speed, electric power consumption, and convenience whenusing differ, and it has been necessary to perform communicationfollowing protocols (restrictions) according to each characteristic.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, PublicationNo. 2014-230024

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention provides a data processing systemwhich executes predetermined data processing by a peripheral apparatusthat is an apparatus providing a predetermined function and a centralapparatus that is an apparatus utilizing the function provided by theperipheral apparatus linking,

wherein the peripheral apparatus including:

a first communication unit which, in a case of not establishing acommunication connection with any central apparatus, sends anadvertising signal that is a signal notifying other apparatuses of itsown existence and its own function provided by way of broadcastcommunication, establishes a communication connection with a centralapparatus having responded the advertising signal, and performscommunication control by way of a first communication method thatmaintains a communication connection by performing communicationperiodically with the central apparatus having established thecommunication connection; and

a control unit that executes the predetermined data processing bylinking with the central apparatus,

wherein the central apparatus comprises:

a first communication unit which detects an advertising signal sent bythe peripheral apparatus, establishes a communication connection by wayof the first communication method with the peripheral apparatus in acase of the function indicated by the advertising signal being its owndesired function, and performs communication control by way of the firstcommunication method to maintain a communication connection byperforming communication periodically with the peripheral apparatushaving established the communication connection; and

a control unit which executes the predetermined data processing bylinking with the peripheral apparatus,

wherein the first communication unit of the peripheral apparatus and thefirst communication unit of the central apparatus maintain acommunication connection by performing communication periodically, evenin a case of the peripheral apparatus and the central apparatus notbeing in a predetermined operation state capable of executing thepredetermined data processing,

wherein the control unit of the peripheral apparatus and the controlunit of the central apparatus, in a case of not being in thepredetermined operation state,

cause the peripheral apparatus and the central apparatus to link andcause execution of the predetermined data processing to start, aftercausing to transition to the predetermined operation state, bytransmitting predetermined signals via the first communication unitsbetween the peripheral apparatus and the central apparatus.

In addition, another aspect of the present invention provides adataprocessing method executed by a data processing system which exchangesdata between a plurality of devices,

wherein the data processing system is configured so as to mutuallyregister transmission destinations between devices performingcommunication, the method including:

transitioning to a communication connection state establishing acommunication connection with each other by performing a predeterminedcommunication procedure to communicate predetermined information;

performing intermittent periodic communication every predeterminedinterval in the communication connection state; and

controlling allowance of transitioning to the communication connectionstate again according to a change state of contents of the predeterminedinformation that is sent upon transitioning to the communication connectstate, and presence of the transmission destination registered, in astate in which the communication connection state is maintained whilethe periodic communication is being maintained, and the communicationconnection state is released in a case of the periodic communicationbeing interrupted.

Furthermore, yet another aspect of the present invention providesnon-transitory recording medium encoded with a program for enabling acomputer, which controls a data processing device functioning as acentral apparatus that executes predetermined data processing by linkingwith a peripheral apparatus providing a predetermined function, toexecute:

a first communication function of detecting an advertising signal sentby the peripheral apparatus, establishing a communication connection byway of a first communication method with the peripheral device in a caseof the function indicated by the advertising signal being a desiredfunction thereof, and performing communication control by way of thefirst communication method to maintain the communication connection byperforming periodic communication with the peripheral apparatus havingestablished the communication connection; and

a control function of executing the predetermined data processing bylinking with the peripheral apparatus,

wherein the first communication function maintains a communicationconnection by performing periodic communication,

even in a case of the peripheral apparatus and the central apparatus notbeing in a predetermined operation state capable of executing thepredetermined data processing, and

wherein the control function, in a case of not being in thepredetermined operation state, causes to transition to the predeterminedoperation state, by sending a predetermined signal via the firstcommunication unit between the peripheral apparatus and the centralapparatus, and then causes to start execution of the predetermined dataprocessing by linking with the peripheral apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing the systemconfiguration of a communication system according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an example of data communicationperformed by the communication system;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of hardware of animaging device and portable terminal according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configurationfor executing automatic image reception processing and mode operationprocessing, among the functional configurations of the imaging deviceand portable terminal in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of automatic image receptionprocessing executed by the imaging device and portable terminal of FIG.3 having the functional configuration of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of mode operation processingexecuted by the imaging device and portable terminal of FIG. 3 havingthe functional configuration of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a display of the communication statusof the imaging device and portable terminal;

FIG. 8 is a system configuration diagram showing the systemconfiguration of a communication system according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of automatic image receptionprocessing executed by the imaging device and portable terminal of FIG.3 having the functional configuration of FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of mode operationprocessing executed by the imaging device and portable terminal of FIG.3 having the functional configuration of FIG. 4;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a display of the communicationstatus of the imaging device and portable terminal;

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing the functionalconfiguration for executing image sharing processing, among thefunctional configurations of the portable terminal of FIG. 3 and aserver;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of image sharing processingexecuted by the portable terminal of FIG. 3 having the functionalconfiguration of FIG. 15 and a server;

FIG. 14 is an operational configuration diagram of an application by theimaging device and portable terminal in the communication system of thepresent embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operational sequence by the imagingdevice and portable terminal in the communication system of the presentembodiment;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing a selection screen of albums in anapp;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of album registrationprocessing;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of automatic sendingprocessing;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of album selectionprocessing on a camera side;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of image registrationprocessing;

FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing a screen display example of theimaging device;

FIG. 22 is a schematic view showing a screen display example of theimaging device;

FIG. 23 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configurationfor executing pairing connection processing, among the functionalconfigurations of the imaging device and portable terminal of FIG. 3;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of pairing connectionprocessing executed by the imaging device and portable terminal of FIG.3 having the functional configuration of FIG. 29;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating another flow of pairing connectionprocessing executed by the portable terminal having the functionalconfiguration of FIG. 29;

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating background process processing ofautomatic sending;

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating background process processing ofautomatic sending;

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating BLE-connection parameter adaptivesetting processing;

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating Wi-Fi setting control processing;

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating Menu open processing; and

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating mode judgment processing for cameraactivation according to BLE communication.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be explainedusing the drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing the systemconfiguration of a communication system according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

A communication system S includes an imaging device 1 having at least animage capture/communication function; and a portable terminal 2 that isan information terminal having at least an image display/communicationfunction, as shown in FIG. 1.

The communication system S, by a user operating either apparatus amongthe imaging device 1 and portable terminal 2, performs a request for acommunication connection by a communication method by which datacommunication of image file level is possible to the other apparatusfrom the one operated apparatus that is being operated by the user, andin a state establishing a communication connection between the imagingdevice 1 and portable terminal 2, has a function of performingtransmission of image files with the other apparatus and monitoring ofimage data retained by the other apparatus, according to operations onthe operation apparatus. It should be noted that, in the presentembodiment, “establishing” a communication connection is the matter ofrecognizing a mutual communicating partner by designating a mutualcommunicating partner and performing a predetermined procedure(negotiation), and thereafter, entering a state in which communicationis always possible, without performing the predetermined procedure everytime performing communication. This state is maintained until performinga procedure to release the communication connection. In addition, astate in which communication connection is “established” is maintainedeven in a case of the radio wave status worsening and becoming a statein which communication is temporarily impossible, and the electric powersource of the apparatus being turned OFF.

In the communication system S of the present embodiment, a communicationconnection between the imaging device 1 and portable terminal 1 isestablished in a state in which data communication is possible, usingtwo communication methods. The communication system S configures so asto perform communication by the communication methods of a wirelesscommunication method that is low speed but is power saving and suited toa constant connection (hereinafter referred to as “first communicationmethod”); and a wireless communication method that is high speed andsuited to file transmission (hereinafter referred to as “secondcommunication method”).

It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the firstcommunication method employs a communication method based on acommunication standard of Bluetooth low energy/Bluetooth LE (tradename)(hereinafter referred to as “BLE”). In addition, the secondcommunication method employs a communication method based on thecommunication standard of Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) of wireless LAN(Local Area Network). It should be noted that, in the presentembodiment, Wi-Fi that is the second communication method has largeelectrical power consumption in a state establishing a communicationconnection; therefore, in the case of being able to estimate that thewaiting time until performing subsequent data transfer will be long, theelectrical power consumption is reduced by releasing the communicationconnection each time. In addition, in a state in which a communicationconnection is not established, it is not possible to turn ON theelectric power supply of the apparatus on the partner side automaticallyby way of communication by Wi-Fi, which is the second communicationmethod, or launch an application. For this reason, the communicationsystem S of the present embodiment makes a constant connection of BLE,which is the first communication method with low electric powerconsumption, and establishes a communication connection of Wi-Fi, whichis the second communication method, according to the situation.

This constant connection by BLE that is the first communication methodarbitrarily selects a combination of the imaging device 1 and portableterminal 2 actually using an external link function from among aplurality of apparatuses, in the case of a plurality of each of theimaging devices and portable terminals using external link functionbeing present within a distance range in which a communicationconnection is possible, and enables this combination of the selectedimaging device 1 and portable terminal 2 to be maintained until theexternal link function is released.

The method of initiating a constant connection by BLE, which is thefirst communication method, by selecting a combination of the imagingdevice 1 and portable terminal 2 from among a plurality of devices(pairing processing) will be described later.

Herein, an example of sending an image file to the portable terminal 2from the image device 1, which are in a state constantly connected byBLE, which is the first communication method, will be explained.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an example of data communicationperformed by the communication system S.

More specifically, in the example of FIG. 2, by the user operating theimaging device 1 serving as one apparatus, the external link function onthe imaging device 1 side is exhibited, and an instruction to establisha communication connection by the second communication method suited tothe transmission of image files (connect instruction) is sent to theportable terminal 2 via communication of the first communication method.

Via the communication of the first communication method, the function ofa camera link application is exhibited in the portable terminal 2 havingreceived the connection instruction, the processing for establishingcommunication by the second communication method is performed, and acommunication connection by the second communication method isestablished between the imaging device 1 and portable terminal 2.

In detail, according to the connection instruction via communication ofthe first communication method from the imaging device 1, a program forexhibiting the function of the camera-link application on the portableterminal 2 side is activated, and establishment of communication by thesecond communication method between the imaging device 1 and portableterminal 2 is performed according to the external link function on theimaging device 1 side and the function of the camera-link application onthe portable terminal 2 side.

The first communication method is power saving, and even in the case ofthe main electric power source of either one or both of the imagingdevice 1 and portable terminal 2 being turned off (or being in a lowelectric power consumption state), is constantly connected, and theapparatus for which the main electric power source is turned off (or ina low electric power consumption state) has a function of turning on themain electric power source (or releasing the low electric powerconsumption state) so as to enter a state in which communication by wayof at least the second communication method and execution of anapplication program is possible according to communication via the firstcommunication method from the other one, and a function of causing theapplication program designated via the first communication method tolaunch (execute).

For this reason, for example, it is possible to perform theestablishment of communication by the second communication method usedin data communication in the case of an event such as sending imagesphotographed by the imaging device 1 occurring, without the portabledevice 2 being operated.

It thereby becomes possible to perform data communication between theimaging device 1 and portable terminal 2, whereby image data can beautomatically sent from the imaging device 1 to the portable terminal 2.

It should be noted that the received image data is temporarily stored inthe storage of the portable terminal 2 by the exhibiting of the functionof the camera-link application.

In addition, in the present embodiment, as an application of the imagedata automatically transmitted by the external link function on theimaging device 1 side and the function of the camera link application onthe portable terminal 2 side, the image data captured by the imagingdevice 1 is made into a browsable state from a portable terminal, etc.possessed by another used automatically by using an image sharing serveron the internet. More specifically, the imaging device 1 instructs tothe portable terminal 2 so as to make sharing of images from the imagingdevice 1 to another portable terminal possible via communication by thefirst communication method, when photography is performed in a state inwhich link operating mode to perform image sharing automatically is set.With the portable terminal 2 having received the sharing instruction,after the function of camera link application is exhibited, receivingimage data captured by the imaging device 1 and temporarily saving inthe storage of the portable terminal 2, the function of an applicationfor the image management & net-access is exhibited according to aninstruction by the camera link application function (program for thisfunction is activated), manages the image data temporarily saved in thestorage of the portable terminal 2 with its own function application forimage management & net access), as well as sending the image data to acloud server linked in advance with the object of image sharing. Thecloud server performs sharing of images captured by the imaging device 1and received by the portable terminal 2, by establishing the image datain a state available to other portable terminals linked in advance.

It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the imaging device 1and portable terminal 2 are configured as devices realizingpredetermined functions by linking with other apparatuses. The imagingdevice 1 and portable terminal 2 execute linked processing such asprocessing to transfer an image to the portable terminal 2 and acquirethe image in the portable terminal 2 according to an operation on theimaging device 1, or processing to transfer an image from the imagingdevice 1 to the portable terminal 2 according to an operation on theportable terminal 2 (hereinafter referred to as “linked processing”),for example, by performing data exchange (data transfer) by Wi-Fi, whichis the second communication method, between devices.

In addition, the imaging device 1 and portable terminal 2 are configuredso as to turn ON Wi-Fi, which is the second communication method, ofanother device from a device at which an operation is performed, toestablish a communication connection, via BLE, which is the firstcommunication method whereby a connection is maintained (constantconnection), in order to transition to a state in which linkedprocessing can be executed, from a state without the communicationconnection by Wi-Fi, which is the second communication method, andlinked processing is cannot be executed. In other words, with BLE thatis the first communication method, even if a state in whichpredetermined linked processing cannot be executed due to acommunication connection with another device not being established/astate in which preparation to execute predetermined linked processing isnot possible, the communication connection with the other device ismaintained (constant connection). Herein, “state in which preparation toexecute predetermined linked processing is not possible” refers to astate in which the electric power source of the other device is OFF, astate in which the program for executing predetermined linked processingis not activated, or a state in which the communication connection byWi-Fi that is the second communication method has not been established(state in which the electric power source is OFF referred to hereinincludes a low electric power consumption state in which communicationis possible by the first communication method, but it is not possible toexecute communication by the second communication method orpredetermined linked processing). Therefore, the imaging device 1 andportable terminal 2 transition to a state in which preparation toexecute predetermined linked processing is possible via BLE, which isthe first communication method, even in the state in which the electricpower source of the other device is OFF, a state in which the programfor executing predetermined linked processing is not activated, or astate in which preparation for executing the predetermined linkedprocessing is not possible that is a state in which a communicationconnection by Wi-Fi, which is the second communication method, is notestablished (non-functional state).

Herein, pairing processing will be explained.

Pairing processing is processing to perform a connection setting of twoBLE devices (the imaging device 1 and portable terminal 2 in the presentembodiment). After connection setting, the imaging device 1 and portableterminal 2 are connected in a communicable state based on this setting.In addition, according to pairing processing, partner-side pairinginformation required in connection is stored in each apparatus (imagingdevice 1 and portable terminal 2).

In BLE communication of the present embodiment, communication isperformed between a peripheral and central having different roles. Inthe present embodiment, the peripheral is the imaging device 1, and thecentral is the portable terminal 2.

In contrast, in order to notify of its own existence, the peripheraloutputs an advertising signal (BLE's advertising packet) to thesurroundings using radio waves (broadcast transmitting advertisingsignal), and responds to a connection request from the central.

The central scans if there is a peripheral sharing necessary data, andif detecting a corresponding peripheral, requests a connection, andstarts the exchange of data. Then, the central executes any task usingthe information (service) provided from the peripheral.

In the advertising signal, it is possible to include information (UUID:Universally Unique Identifier) indicating the name of the peripheral(device name: in the present embodiment, SSID is the identifier ofaccess point in wireless LAN (Wi-Fi)) or providable information(service).

During BLE connection (during communication) after connection setting bypairing processing completes, communication packets including auniversally unique (individual) BD address (Bluetooth (registeredtrademark) Device Address) is sent. Connection with an unintendedapparatus thereby will not occur.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configurations of theimaging device 1 and portable terminal 2 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

The imaging device 1 is configured as a digital camera, for example.

The imaging device 1 includes: a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, ROM(Read Only Memory) 12, RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, aninput/output interface 15, an image capture unit 16, an input unit 17,an output unit 18, a storage unit 19, a first communication unit 20, asecond communication unit 21, a driver 22, and an electric power unit23.

The CPU 11 executes various processing according to programs recorded inthe ROM 12, or programs loaded from the storage unit 19 into the RAM 13.

This CPU 11, RAM 13 and ROM 12 (or storage unit 19) constitute a controlunit.

The required data, etc. upon the CPU 11 executing various processing isalso stored as appropriate in the RAM 13.

The CPU 11, ROM 12 and RAM 13 are connected to each other via the bus14. This bus 14 is also connected to the input/output interface 15. Theimaging unit 16, input unit 17, output unit 18, storage unit 19, firstcommunication unit 20, second communication unit 21, drive 22 andelectric power unit 23 are connected to the input/output interface 15.

Although not illustrated, the image capture unit 16 includes an opticallens unit and image sensor.

In order to photograph an object, the optical lens unit is configured bya lens such as a focus lens and a zoom lens for condensing light.

The focus lens is a lens for forming an image of an object on the lightreceiving surface of the image sensor. The zoom lens is a lens thatcauses the focal length to freely change in a certain range.

The optical lens unit also includes peripheral circuits to adjustsetting parameters such as focus, exposure, white balance, and the like,as necessary.

The image sensor is configured by an optoelectronic conversion device,an AFE (Analog Front End), and the like.

The optoelectronic conversion device is configured by a CMOS(Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type of optoelectronicconversion device and the like, for example. Light incident through theoptical lens unit forms an image of an object in the optoelectronicconversion device. The optoelectronic conversion deviceoptoelectronically converts (i.e. captures) the image of the object,accumulates the resultant image signal for a predetermined timeinterval, and sequentially supplies the image signal as an analog signalto the AFE.

The AFE executes a variety of signal processing such as A/D(Analog/Digital) conversion processing of the analog signal. The varietyof signal processing generates a digital signal that is output as anoutput signal from the image capture unit 16.

Such an output signal of the image capture unit 16 is hereinafterreferred to as “data of a captured image”. Data of a captured image issupplied to the CPU 11, an image processing unit (not illustrated), andthe like as appropriate.

The input unit 17 is configured by various buttons and the like, andinputs a variety of information in accordance with instructionoperations by the user.

The output unit 18 is configured by the display unit, a speaker, and thelike, and outputs images and sound.

The storage unit 19 is configured by a hard disk, flash memory or thelike, and stores the data of various images.

The communication unit 20 controls communication performed with anexternal device (in the present embodiment, the portable terminal 2) bythe first communication method, which is low speed, but power saving andthus suited to constant connection. In the present embodiment, the firstcommunication method employs a communication method based on the BLEcommunication standard.

The second communication unit 21 controls communication with an externaldevice (in the present embodiment, the portable terminal 2) by thesecond communication method, which is high speed and thus suited to thetransmission of files. In the present embodiment, the secondcommunication method employs a communication method based on the Wi-Ficommunication standard of wireless LAN.

A removable medium 31 composed of a magnetic disk, an optical disk, amagneto-optical disk, semiconductor memory or the like is installed inthe drive 22, as appropriate. Programs that are read via the drive 22from the removable medium 31 are installed in the storage unit 19, asnecessary. Similarly to the storage unit 19, the removable medium 31 canalso store a variety of data such as the image data stored in thestorage unit 19.

The power unit 23 is configured by a lithium-ion battery, for example,and is an electric power supply source that supplies electric power fordriving to the imaging device 1, and supplies electric current as thedriving source of the imaging device 1 to each configuration in theimaging device 1. The power unit 23 is controlled by the CPU 11 and, forexample, is controlled to stop the supply of electric power to theoutput unit 18, etc. and turn OFF the display output in a power offstate, maintain the supply of electrical power in communication such asthe first communication unit 20 and second communication unit 21, andenable image sending even in a power off state.

In addition, the portable terminal 2 is configured as a smartphone, forexample.

It should be noted that the configuration of hardware is abbreviated dueto being similar to the imaging device 1, for example. Hereinafter, inthe case of using the hardware of the imaging device 1 and portableterminal 2 as explanations, items appending “−1” to the end of thereference symbol are defined for the imaging device 1, and itemsappending “−2” to the end of the reference symbol are defined for theportable terminal 2. In other words, the imaging device 1 defines theelements noted as CPU 11-1 to removable media 31-1, and the portableterminal 2 defines the elements noted as CPU 11-2 to removable media31-2.

In the case of exhibiting the function of data communication in theimaging device 1 and portable terminal 2 configured in this way, it isperformed in a state in which a communication connection is establishedby BLE, which is the first communication method, between the imagingdevice 1 and the portable terminal 2 (constant connection state). Inother words, the automatic sending function of captured images isexhibited by assuming that a connection is made by BLE, which is thefirst communication method, between the imaging device 1 and portableterminal 2.

More specifically, an instruction (connection instruction) is outputtedfrom the imaging device 1 to the portable terminal 2 via communicationby the first communication method so as to establish a communicationconnection by Wi-Fi, which is the second communication method, and thena communication connection by Wi-Fi, which is the first communicationmethod, is established between the imaging device 1 and portableterminal 2. It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, thecommunication connection is established by 1-to-1 direct communicationbetween the imaging device 1 and the portable terminal 2, with theimaging device 1 set to an access-point (AP) mode so as to serve as thebase unit in Wi-Fi, and the portable terminal 2 set to a station (ST)mode so as to serve as an extension device in Wi-Fi, which is the firstcommunication method.

It should be noted that in the case of pairing by a one-timecommunication connection, the information related to this pairing isstored in each apparatus. In the present embodiment performingshort-distance communication, apparatuses that are in a receiving rangeof radio waves are searched, and based on the pairing information storedfrom among these, it is configured to perform processing to establish acommunication connection automatically, without inputs such as apassword being performed. In addition, a pairing operation is performedby, first, all connectable devices that are in the surrounding (devicesin a BLE/Wi-Fi active state) being displayed by apparatus name, etc.,and the user designating a device to execute linked processing fromamong these.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the functionalconfiguration for executing automatic image reception processing andmode operation processing, among the functional configurations of suchan imaging device 1 and portable terminal 2.

First, automatic image reception processing will be explained.

“Automatic image reception processing” refers to a series of processingof establishing a communication connection by the second communicationmethod in the portable terminal 2 in the case of acquiring a capturedimage from the image capture unit 16 of the imaging device 1, sendingthe captured image to the portable terminal 2, and then receiving theimage automatically at the portable terminal 2.

In the case of performing automatic image reception processing on theimaging device 1 side, as shown in FIG. 4, a photography control unit 51and communication control unit 52 function in the CPU 11-1.

In addition, an image storage section 71 is established in an area ofthe storage unit 19-1.

Data of captured images acquired from the image capture unit 16 isstored in the image storage section 71.

The photography control unit 51 controls the image capture unit 16 so asto execute photography processing. As a result thereof, a captured imageis outputted from the image capture unit 16. The captured image thusoutputted is stored in the image storage section 71.

The communication control unit 52 controls the first communication unit20-1 (second communication unit 21-1) so as to perform communication byBLE (Wi-Fi), which is the first communication method (secondcommunication method), and perform instructions and data communicationto the portable terminal 2.

More specifically, the communication control unit 52 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to perform communication by Wi-Fi, whichis the second communication method, and send images photographed by theimaging device 1 to the portable terminal 2.

In addition, in the case of executing automatic image receptionprocessing on the portable terminal 2 side, as shown in FIG. 4, anapplication manager 91 and communication control unit 92 function in theCPU 11-2.

Furthermore, an image storage section is established in an area of thestorage unit 19-2.

Data of captured images acquired from the imaging device 1 is stored inthe image storage section 111.

The application manager 91 manages the launch, end, etc. ofapplications.

More specifically, the application manager 91 performs communication byBLE, which is the first communication method, and if receiving aninstruction to launch an application (hereinafter referred to simply as“app”) in the first communication unit 20-2, launches the designatedapp. In the present embodiment, the application manager 91 launches anapp performing communication control of Wi-Fi so as to exhibit thecommunication control function. It should be noted that “launch” for appor device, in addition to the case of newly executing an app, includes acase of restarting execution of an app in sleep (during execution inbackground), and includes a case accompanying transition of the electricpower source from the off state to on state.

The communication control unit 92 controls the first communication unit20-2 (second communication unit 21-2) so as to perform communication byBLE (Wi-Fi), which is the first communication method (secondcommunication method), and perform reception of instructions and datacommunication to the portable terminal 2.

More specifically, the communication control unit 92 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to perform communication by Wi-Fi, whichis the second communication method, and receive images from the imagingdevice 1, for example.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of automatic image receptionprocessing executed by the imaging device 1 and portable terminal 2 ofFIG. 3 having the functional configuration of FIG. 4.

It should be noted that, in the initial state of automatic imagereception processing, pairing of BLE, which is the first communicationmethod, has completed between the imaging device 1 and portable terminal2, thereby enter a state of constant connection. In addition, althoughbeing an OFF state for Wi-Fi, which is the first communication method,the Wi-Fi settings (profiles) for each other are acquired between theimaging device 1 and portable terminal 2, and a state is entered inwhich 1-to-1 communication connection between the imaging device 1 andportable terminal 2 can be established during activation of Wi-Fi.

<Automatic Image Reception Processing on Imaging Device 1 Side>

In Step S111-1, the photography control unit 51 controls the imagecapture unit 16 so as to execute photography processing. As a resultthereof, a captured image is outputted from the image capture unit 16.The outputted captured image is stored in the image storage section 71.

Upon photography processing being executed, in the case of the automaticimage transfer mode being set, the communication control unit 52controls the first communication unit 20-1 so as to performcommunication by BLE, which is the first communication mode, and send aninstruction to launch an app to the portable terminal 2 in Step S112-1.As a result, the app is launched in the portable terminal 2 havingreceived the instruction to launch the app. In the present embodiment,the app performing communication control for Wi-Fi is launched, wherebythe communication control function is exhibited.

In Step S113-1, the communication control unit 52 controls the firstcommunication unit 20-1 so as to perform communication by BLE, which isthe first communication method, and send access-point information of theimaging device 1 (hereinafter referred to as “camera AP information”) tothe portable terminal 2. As a result thereof, in the portable terminal 2having received the camera AP information, Wi-Fi is turned ON in the ST(station) mode in which the portable terminal 2 serves as an extensiondevice.

In Step S114-1, the communication control unit 52 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to turn ON Wi-Fi in the AP (access point)mode serving as a base unit.

In Step S115-1, the communication control unit 52 performs communicationby Wi-Fi, which is the second communication method, and determineswhether or not to establish a connection with the portable terminal 2according to the connection request from the portable terminal 2 in thesecond communication unit 21-1.

In the case of establishing a connection with the portable terminal 2,it is determined as YES in Step S115-1, and the processing advances toStep S118-1. The processing of Step S118-1 will be described later.

In contrast, in the case of not establishing a connection with theportable terminal 2, it is determined as NO in Step S115-1, and theprocessing advances to Step S116-1.

In Step S116-1, the communication control unit 52 determines whether ornot a time set in advance has elapsed and timed out.

In the case of not having timed out, it is determined as NO in StepS116-1, and the processing returns to Step S115-1.

In the case of having timed out, it is determined as YES in Step S116-1,and the processing advances to Step S117-1.

In Step S117-1, the communication control unit 52 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to turn OFF Wi-Fi. Subsequently, theprocessing returns to Step S111-1.

In Step S118-1, the communication control unit 52 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to perform communication by Wi-Fi, whichis the second communication method, and send a captured imagephotographed to the connected portable terminal 2. As a result thereof,the captured image photographed is sent by Wi-Fi. Subsequently,automatic image reception processing on the imaging device 1 side ends.

<Automatic Image Reception Processing on Portable Terminal 2 Side>

In Step S111-2, the application manager 91 performs communication byBLE, which is the first communication method, and if receiving aninstruction to launch an app in the first communication unit 20-2,launches the designated app. In the present embodiment, the appperforming communication control in Wi-Fi is launched, whereby thecommunication control function is exhibited.

In Step S112-2, the communication control unit 92 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to perform communication by BLE, which isthe first communication method, and in the case of having receivingcamera AP information from the imaging device 1, turn ON Wi-Fi in STmode.

In Step S113-2, the communication control unit 92 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to search for the imaging device 1 of theaccess point (AP).

In Step S114-2, the communication control unit 92 determines whether theimaging device 1 of the access point (AP) was found.

In the case of the imaging device 1 of the access point having beenfound, it is determined as YES in Step S114-2, and the processingadvances to Step S117-2. The processing of Step S117-2 and after will bedescribed later.

In contrast, in the case of the imaging device 1 of the access point nothaving been found, it is determined as NO in Step S114-2, and theprocessing advances to Step S115-2.

In Step S115-2, the communication control unit 92 determines whether atime set in advance has elapsed, and timed out.

In the case of not having timed out, it is determined as NO in StepS115-2, and the processing returns to Step S114-2.

In the case of having timed out, it is determined as YES in Step S115-2,and the processing advances to Step S116-2.

In Step S116-2, the application manager 91 ends the app that waslaunched in Step S111-2. By ending the app, the Wi-Fi communicationfunction of the second communication unit 21-2 is turned OFF.Subsequently, the processing returns to Step S111-2.

In Step S117-2, the communication control unit 92 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to perform communication by Wi-Fi, whichis the second communication method, connect to the imaging device 1 ofthe access point (AP), and notify the imaging device 1 of havingconnected (connection request).

In Step S118-2, the communication control unit 92 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to receive an image sent from the imagingdevice 1. The received image is stored in the image storage section 111.Subsequently, the automatic transmission processing on the portableterminal 2 side ends.

Next, the mode operation processing will be explained.

In addition, “mode operation processing” refers to a series ofprocessing of establishing a communication connection by the secondcommunication method in the imaging device 1 based on various modes ofREC mode/PLAY mode of the portable terminal 2, and executing anoperation corresponding to the mode in the imaging device 1.

In the case of executing mode operation processing on the imaging device1 side, as shown in FIG. 4, the photography control unit 51 andcommunication control unit 52 function in the CPU 11-1.

In addition, the image storage section 71 is established in an area ofthe storage unit 19-1.

The data of captured images acquired from the image capture unit 16 isstored in the image storage section 71.

The photography control unit 51 controls the image capture unit 16 so asto photograph through images for REC mode. As a result thereof, athrough image from the image capture unit 16 is outputted.

The communication control unit 52 controls the first communication unit20-1 (second communication unit 21-1) so as to perform communication byBLE (Wi-Fi), which is the first communication method (secondcommunication method), and perform instructions and data communicationto the portable terminal 2.

More specifically, the communication control unit 52, for example,controls the second communication unit 21-1 so as to performcommunication by Wi-Fi, which is the second communication method, tosend the through image made from the image capture unit 16 during RCEmode to the portable terminal 2. In addition, the communication controlunit 52 controls the second communication unit 21-1 so as to performcommunication by Wi-Fi, which is the second communication method, tosend a list of images stored in the image storage section 71 to theportable terminal 2, during PLAY mode.

In addition, in the case of executing automatic image receptionprocessing on the portable terminal 2 side, as shown in FIG. 4, theapplication manager 91 and communication control unit 92 function in theCPU 11-2.

In addition, the image storage section 111 is established in an area ofthe storage unit 19-2.

Data of images acquired from the imaging device 1 is stored in the imagestorage section 111.

The application manager 91 manages the launch, end, etc. ofapplications.

More specifically, the application manager 91 performs communication byBLE, which is the first communication method, and if receiving aninstruction to launch an app in the first communication unit 20-2,launches the designated app, for example. In the present embodiment, theapplication manager 91 launches an app that performs communicationcontrol of Wi-Fi, thereby exhibiting a communication control function.

The communication control unit 92 controls the first communication unit20-2 (second communication unit 21-2) so as to perform communication byBLE (Wi-Fi), which is the first communication method (secondcommunication method), and perform instruction and data communication tothe portable terminal 2.

More specifically, the communication control unit 92 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to perform communication by Wi-Fi, whichis the second communication method, to receive from the imaging device 1through images made from the image capture unit 16, during REC mode, forexample. In addition, the communication control unit 52 controls thesecond communication unit 21-2 so as to perform communication by Wi-Fi,which is the second communication method, to receive from the imagingdevice 1 a list of images stored in the image storage section 71, duringPLAY mode.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of mode operation processingexecuted by the imaging device 1 and portable terminal 2 of FIG. 3having the functional configurations of FIG. 4.

It should be noted that, in the initial state of the mode operationprocessing, pairing of BLE, which is the first communication method,between the imaging device 1 and portable terminal 2, has completed, andenters a state of constant connection. In addition, although Wi-Fi thatis the first communication method is in the OFF state, a state isentered in which the Wi-Fi settings (profile) of each other can beacquired between the imaging device 1 and portable terminal 2, and a1-to-1 communication connection can be established between the imagingdevice 1 and portable terminal 2 during activation of Wi-Fi.

<Mode Operation Processing on Imaging Device 1 Side>

In Step S211-1, the CPU 11 performs communication with the portableterminal 2 by BLE, which is the first communication method, andactivates the imaging device 1 according to an activation request fromthe portable terminal 2, and in the case of there being a modedesignation during activation from the portable terminal 2, sets thisdesignated mode. In the present embodiment, the mode is set to eithermode of a REC mode that performs photographing while confirming thethrough image from the imaging device 1 in the portable terminal 2, anda PLAY mode for browsing an image list stored in the imaging device 1 onthe portable terminal 2.

In Step S212-1, the communication control unit 52 controls the firstcommunication unit 20-1 so as to perform communication by BLE, which isthe first communication method, and send camera AP information to theportable terminal 2. As a result thereof, in the portable terminal 2having received the camera AP information, Wi-Fi is turned ON in the ST(station) mode in which the portable terminal 2 serves as an extensiondevice, based on the received camera AP information.

In Step S213-1, the communication control unit 52 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to turn ON Wi-Fi in the AP (access point)mode serving as the base unit.

In Step S214-1, the communication control unit 52 performs communicationby Wi-Fi, which is the second communication method, and determineswhether a connection with the portable terminal 2 has been establishedin the second communication unit 21-1 in response to the connectionrequest from the portable terminal 2.

In the case of having established a connection with the portableterminal 2, it is determined as YES in Step S214-1, and the processingadvances to Step S217-1. The processing of Step S217-1 will be describedlater.

In contrast, in the case of not establishing a connection with theportable terminal 2, it is determined as NO in Step S214-1, and theprocessing advances to Step S215-1.

In Step S215-1, the communication control unit 52 determines whether atime set in advance has elapsed and timed out.

In the case of not having timed out, it is determined as NO in StepS215-1, and the processing returns to Step S214-1.

In the case of having timed out, it is determined as YES in Step S215-1,and the processing advances to Step S216-1.

In Step S216-1, the communication control unit 52 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to turn OFF Wi-Fi. Subsequently, theprocessing returns to Step S211-1.

In Step S217-1, the photography control unit 51 and communicationcontrol unit 52 operate in the mode designated in Step S211-1, or a modenewly designated from the portable terminal 2. In other words, in thecase of the designated mode being the REC mode, and there being asending request of a through image, the photography control unit 51controls the image capture unit 16 so as to capture a through image,thereby acquiring a through image. Then, the communication control unit52 controls the second communication unit 21-1 so as to performcommunication by Wi-Fi, which is the second communication method, andsequentially transmit the acquired through image to the portableterminal 2. In addition, in the case of the designated mode being thePLAY mode, and there being a sending request of a list of images(thumbnail images), the communication control unit 52 controls thesecond communication unit 21-1 so as to perform communication by Wi-Fi,which is the second communication method, and send a list of imagesstored in the image storage section 111 to the portable terminal 2.

Subsequently, the mode operation processing on the imaging device 1 sideends.

<Mode Operation Processing on Portable Terminal 2 Side>

In Step S211-2, the application manager 91 launches an app by anoperation, etc. on the input unit 17 by the user. In the presentembodiment, the app exhibiting the function designating the mode islaunched, whereby the mode designation function is exhibited.

In Step S212-2, the communication control unit 92 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to perform communication by BLE, which isthe first communication method, and activates the imaging device 1. Inaddition, in the case of being necessary to designate the mode duringactivation of the imaging device 1, it sends information designating themode. In the present embodiment, the mode can be designated as eithermode of the REC mode for performing photography while confirming athrough image from the imaging device 1 on the portable terminal 2, andthe PLAY mode for browsing an image list stored in the imaging device 1on the portable terminal 2.

In Step S213-2, the communication control unit 92 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to perform communication by BLE, which isthe first communication method, and in the case of having received APinformation from the imaging device 1, to turn ON Wi-Fi in the ST mode.

In Step S214-2, the communication control unit 92 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to search for the imaging device 1 of theaccess point (AP).

In Step S215-2, the communication control unit 92 determines whether theimaging device 1 of the access point (AP) was found.

In the case of the imaging device 1 of the access point having beenfound, it is determined as YES in Step S215-2, and the processingadvances to Step S218-2. The processing of Step S218-2 and after will bedescribed later.

In contrast, in the case of the imaging device 1 of the access point nothaving been found, it is determined as NO in Step S215-2, and theprocessing advances to Step S216-2.

In Step S216-2, the communication control unit 92 determines whether atime set in advance has elapsed and timed out.

In the case of not having timed out, it is determined as NO in StepS216-2, and the processing returns to Step S215-2.

In the case of having timed out, it is determined as YES in Step S216-2,and the processing advances to Step S217-2.

In Step S217-2, the application manager 91 ends the app launched in StepS211-2. By ending the app, the Wi-Fi communication function of thesecond communication unit 21-2 is turned OFF. Subsequently, theprocessing returns to Step S211-2.

In Step S218-2, the communication control unit 92 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to perform communication by Wi-Fi, whichis the second communication method, relative to the imaging device 1, toconnect to the imaging device 1 of the access point (AP), and notify theimaging device 1 of having connected (connection request).

In Step S219-2, the communication control unit 92 confirms the modedesignated according to a user operation or the like.

In the case of the designated mode being REC, it is “REC” in StepS219-2, and the processing advances to Step S220-2.

In Step S220-2, the communication control unit 92 performs communicationby Wi-Fi, which is the second communication method, relative to theimaging device 1, switches to the REC mode, performs a sending requestof a through image, and sequentially acquires the through image that issequentially transmitted from the imaging device 1 according to thisrequest. Then, the through image sequentially acquired is sequentiallydisplayed on the output unit 18-2. The user performs an operation suchas a photography instruction while browsing the through image beingcaptured by the imaging device 1. Subsequently, the mode operationprocessing on the portable terminal 2 side ends.

In contrast, in the case of the mode designated by way of a useroperation, etc. being PLAY, it is “PLAY” in Step S219-2, and theprocessing advances to Step S211-2.

In Step S221-2, the communication control unit 92 performs communicationby Wi-Fi, which is the second communication method, relative to theimaging device 1, switches to the PLAY mode, performs a sending requestof a list of images stored in the image storage section 71, to acquire alist of images (thumbnail images) sent from the imaging device 1according to this request. Then, the list of images acquired isdisplayed on the output unit 18-2. The user performs an operation suchas selection of images acquired from the imaging device 1, whilebrowsing the list of images stored in the imaging device 1.Subsequently, the mode operation processing on the portable terminal 2side ends.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a display of the communication statusshowing the transition of communication states of the imaging device 1and portable terminal 2, which are sequentially changing with theexecution of various processing as mentioned above.

The status display of communication of the imaging device 1 and portableterminal 2 in the first communication method and second communicationmethod is configured to change display for every status, as shown in theexample of FIG. 7.

In the case of pairing not being made in the communication status, andthus a connection not being made (<pairing: not yet><connection: no>),it is configured so that status display is not performed.

In the case of pairing being made in the communication status, but aconnection not being made (<pairing: done><connection: no>), it isconfigured so as to display an icon indicating the first communicationmethod and the second communication method by a dotted line orsemi-transparent state.

In the case of pairing being made in the communication status and aconnection being made (<pairing: done><connection: yes>), it isconfigured so as to display an icon indicating the first communicationmethod and the second communication method.

The imaging device 1 configured in the above way includes the secondcommunication unit 21-1, communication control unit 52, firstcommunication unit 20-1 and communication control unit 52.

The communication control unit 52 executes predetermined linkedprocessing by performing data transfer by way of the secondcommunication unit 21-2 with the portable terminal 2, which is anotherapparatus.

The first communication unit 20-1 maintains the communication connectionwith the portable terminal 2 that is another apparatus, even in a statein which the predetermined linked processing cannot be executed by thecommunication control unit 52.

The communication control unit 52 causes to transition from a state inwhich the predetermined linked processing cannot be executed by thecommunication control unit 52 to a state in which execution is possible,by performing predetermined communication by way of the firstcommunication unit 20-1.

The communication connection with the portable terminal 2 that is theother apparatus is thereby maintained, even if a state in which thepredetermined linked processing cannot be executed by the communicationcontrol unit 52, and by transitioning from a state in which thepredetermined linked processing cannot be performed by the communicationcontrol unit 52 to a state in which execution is possible by performingthe predetermined communication by way of the first communication unit52, the predetermined linked processing is executed by the communicationcontrol unit 52.

Therefore, the imaging device 1 can receive predetermined data withoutan operation being made on the portable terminal 2, and thus can improvethe convenience of linking of a plurality of devices via wirelesscommunication.

The first communication unit 201-1 is lower speed than the secondcommunication unit 21-1, but is power saving.

The first communication unit 20-1 maintains the communication connectionwith the portable terminal 2, which is another apparatus, even in astate in which the predetermined linked processing cannot be executeddue to a communication connection with the portable terminal 2 that isthe other apparatus not being established by the second communicationunit 21-1.

The communication control unit 52 causes to transition from a state inwhich a communication connection with the portable terminal 2 that isthe other apparatus is not established by the second communication unit21-1 to an established state, by performing predetermined communicationby way of the first communication unit 20-1.

It is thereby possible to maintain the connection with the portableterminal 2 that is the other device in a lower electric powerconsumption state, and cause to transition to a state in which thepredetermined linked processing can be executed.

The first communication unit 20-1 maintains the communication connectionwith the portable terminal 2 that is the other apparatus, even in astate in which the predetermined linked processing cannot be executeddue to preparation for executing the predetermined linked processing notbeing possible by either of the portable terminal 2 that is the otherapparatus or this imaging device 1.

The communication control unit 52 causes either of the portable terminal2 that is the other apparatus or this imaging device 1 to transitionfrom the state in which preparation for executing the predeterminedlinked processing is not possible to a state in which preparation ispossible, by performing predetermined communication by way of the firstcommunication unit 20-1.

It thereby becomes possible to, among the apparatuses executing thepredetermined linked processing, cause the other apparatus from eitherone apparatus to transition from a state in which preparation forexecuting the predetermined linked processing is not possible to a statein which preparation is possible.

State in which preparation for executing the predetermined linkedprocessing is not possible is a state in which the power source ofeither of the portable terminal 2 that is the other apparatus or thisimaging device 1 is OFF, a state in which the program for executing thepredetermined linked processing is not launched, or a state in which thesecond communication unit 21-1 is not functioning.

It thereby becomes possible to cause to transition from various statesin which a part of the functions for executing the predetermined linkedprocessing is not operating to a state in which preparation forexecuting the predetermined linked processing is possible.

The communication control unit 52 causes both of the portable terminal 2that is the other apparatus or this imaging device 1 to transition to astate in which preparation for executing the predetermined linkedprocessing is possible, even in a case of either of the portableterminal 2 that is the other apparatus or this imaging device 1 being ina state in which preparation for executing the predetermined linkedprocessing is not possible, by performing the predeterminedcommunication by way of the first communication unit 20-1.

It thereby becomes possible for either of the apparatuses executing thepredetermined linked processing to cause both apparatuses executing thepredetermined linked processing to transition to a state in whichpreparation for executing the predetermined linked processing ispossible.

The communication control unit 52 causes the portable terminal 2 that isthe other apparatus to transition to a state in which preparation forexecuting the predetermined linked processing is possible by sending apredetermined signal to the portable terminal 2 that is the otherapparatus by way of the first communication unit 20, in a case ofpreparation for executing the predetermined linked processing not beingpossible by the portable terminal 2 that is the other apparatus.

In addition, in the case of this imaging device 1 being in a state inwhich preparation for executing the predetermined linked processing isnot possible, the communication control unit 52 causes this imagingdevice 1 to transition to a state in which preparation for executing thepredetermined linked processing is possible, by receiving apredetermined signal from the portable terminal 2 that is the otherapparatus by way of the first communication unit 20-1.

It thereby becomes possible to cause both apparatuses executing thepredetermined linked processing to transition to a state in whichpreparation for executing is possible, by transmitting predeterminedsignals by way of second wireless communication.

The predetermined linked processing includes first linked processingthat controls the portable terminal 2 that is the other apparatusaccording to operations on this imaging device 1, and second linkedprocessing that controls this imaging device 1 according to operationson the portable terminal 2 that is the other apparatus.

In the case of performing the first linked processing, the communicationcontrol unit 52 causes the portable terminal 2 that is the otherapparatus to transition to a state in which preparation for executingthe first linked processing is possible by sending a predeterminedsignal to the portable terminal 2 that is the other apparatus by way ofthe second wireless communication, in response to an operation on thisimaging device 1.

In addition, in the case of performing the second linked processing, thecommunication control unit 52 causes this imaging device 1 to transitionto a state in which preparation for executing the second linkedprocessing is possible by receiving a predetermined signal sent by wayof the second wireless communication in response to an operation on theportable terminal 2 that is the other apparatus.

It thereby becomes possible to perform the first linked processing bycontrolling the portable terminal 2 that is the other apparatus from theimaging device 1, and perform the second linked processing bycontrolling the imaging device 1 from the portable terminal 2 that isthe other apparatus.

The communication control unit 52 arbitrarily designates the portableterminal 2 that is the other apparatus performing the predeterminedlinked processing as the designated apparatus, via a user operation byway of the input unit 17 or the like.

In addition, the communication control unit 52 initiates a communicationconnection with a designated apparatus by way of the first communicationunit 20-1, and in a state maintaining this communication connection,establishes a state releasing the communication connection with thedesignated apparatus by way of the second communication unit 21-1.

In addition, the communication control unit 52 initiates a communicationconnection with a designated apparatus by way of the secondcommunication unit 21-1, by performing predetermined communication inwhich the designated apparatus was designated by way of the firstcommunication unit 20-1.

It thereby becomes possible to designate a specific portable terminal 2that is the other apparatus and execute the predetermined linkedprocessing.

One among this imaging device 1 and the portable terminal 2 that is theother apparatus is the imaging device 1 including an image capturefunction, and the other one is the portable terminal 2 including animage display function.

The predetermined linked processing includes image transfer processingthat transfers image data captured by the imaging device 1 and causes tobe displayed on a display terminal by way of the second communicationunit 21-1.

It thereby becomes possible to cause the imaging device 1 and portableterminal 2 to link, transfer the image data captured by the imagingdevice 1 to a display terminal, and display using the functions of thedisplay terminal.

The predetermined linked processing includes the first linked processingto initiate image transfer processing according to an operation on theimaging device 1, and the second linked processing to initiate imagetransfer processing according to an operation on the display terminal.

It thereby becomes possible to transfer image data to the displayterminal according to an operation on the imaging device 1, and transferimage data from the imaging device 1 according to an operation on thedisplay terminal.

The communication system S configured in the above way includes theimaging device 1 and the portable terminal 2 that realize predeterminedfunctions by linking with each other.

The imaging device 1 includes the second communication unit 21-1,communication control unit 52 and first communication unit 20-1.

The communication control unit 52 executes the predetermined linkedprocessing by performing data transfer by way of the secondcommunication unit 21-1 with the portable terminal 2 that is the otherapparatus.

The first communication unit 20-1 maintains a communication connectionwith the portable terminal 2 that is the other apparatus, even in astate in which the predetermined linked processing cannot be executed bythe communication control unit 52.

The communication control unit 52 causes to transition from a state inwhich the predetermined linked processing cannot be executed by thecommunication control unit 52 to a state in which execution is possible,by performing predetermined communication by way of the firstcommunication unit 20-1.

The communication connection with the portable terminal 2 that is theother apparatus is thereby maintained even in a state in which thepredetermined linked processing cannot be executed by the communicationcontrol unit 52, and by transitioning from a state in which thepredetermined linked processing cannot be executed by the communicationcontrol unit 52 to a state in which execution is possible by performingpredetermined communication by way of the first communication unit 20-1,the predetermined linked processing is executed by the communicationcontrol unit 52.

Therefore, the imaging device 1 can receive predetermined data withoutan operation being made on the portable terminal 2, and thus can improvethe convenience of linking of a plurality of devices via wirelesscommunication.

In addition, the communication control unit 52 sends image data capturedby the imaging device 1 serving as a first apparatus by way of thesecond communication method serving as the second wirelesscommunication, to the portable terminal 2 serving as the secondapparatus.

The communication control unit 52, in a state in which the communicationconnection is broken between the imaging device 1 serving as the firstapparatus and the portable terminal 2 serving as the second apparatus byway of the second communication method serving as second wirelesscommunication, maintains a communication connection between the imagingdevice 1 serving as the first apparatus and the portable terminal 2serving as the second apparatus by way of the first communication methodserving as first wireless communication, and transmits predeterminedcontrol data between the imaging device 1 serving as the first apparatusand the portable terminal 2 serving as the second apparatus by way ofthe first communication method serving as first wireless communication,thereby causing the second communication method serving as the secondwireless communication to transition from a state in which thecommunication connection is broken between the imaging device 1 servingas the first apparatus and the portable terminal 2 serving as the secondapparatus to a connected state.

It is thereby possible to perform connection in the communication systemS without an operation being made on the portable terminal 2, and thuspossible to improve the convenience of linking of a plurality of devicesvia wireless communication.

In addition, in the aforementioned embodiment, the imaging device 1serving as the first apparatus can be configured so as to furtherinclude a communication control unit 52/communication control unit 92serving as an association means mutually storing association informationfor associating the imaging device 1 serving as the first apparatus andthe portable terminal 2 serving as the second apparatus as mutualcommunication partners.

The imaging device 1 serving as the first apparatus can be configured soas to cause to transition from a state in which the communicationconnection is broken between the imaging device 1 serving as the firstapparatus and the portable terminal 2 serving as the second apparatus toa connected state, following the association information stored by thecommunication control unit 52/communication control unit 92 serving asthe association means.

In addition, in the aforementioned embodiment, the communication controlunit 52/communication control unit 92 that are the association means canbe configured so as to associate the imaging device 1 serving as thefirst apparatus and the portable terminal 2 serving as the secondapparatus, by transmitting information related to pairing which isassociation information.

In addition, in the aforementioned embodiment, the communication controlunit 52/communication control unit 92 that are the association means canbe configured so as to associate the imaging device 1 serving as thefirst apparatus and the portable terminal 2 serving as the secondapparatus as mutual communication partners by way of the communicationcontrol unit 52, by transmitting the association information.

In addition, in the aforementioned embodiment, the communication controlunit 52/communication control unit 92 that are the association means canbe configured so as to allow the apparatus name of the other party to bea candidate for association using the identification information of theapparatus to be selected by displaying on the output unit 18.

Conventionally, technology that connects an imaging device such as adigital camera and an information processing device such as a smartphoneby way of wireless communication has been employed.

With such technology, in the case of remotely operating the imagingdevice from the information processing device by way of wirelesscommunication, first, a wireless communication connection is establishedbetween these devices, and predetermined remote operation issubsequently performed.

It should be noted that, in the conventional technology, there is aphotography system that remotely operates a camera from a cameraoperation terminal, as an example of such technology (for example, referto Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. 2014-230024).

However, in the case of remotely operating the imaging device from aninformation processing device, since the power source of these devicesis turned ON every time performing a remote operation, it is necessaryto establish a wireless communication connection. In addition, since therole of each device is set in advance in the way of remotely operatingthe imaging device from the information processing device, the functionof remotely operating the imaging device from the information processingdevice has not been a function with high convenience for the userperforming remote operation, because it is only possible torestrictively use the functions set in advance.

The present embodiment has been made taking account of such a situation,and has an object of improving the convenience of linking of a pluralityof devices via wireless communication.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 8 is a system configuration diagram showing another systemconfiguration of a communication system according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

As shown in FIG. 8, the communication system S is premised on the systemconfiguration shown in FIG. 1, and includes the imaging device 1 havingat least an image capture/communication function, the portable terminal2 and server 3 at least having an image display/communication function.The communication system S transfers images captured by the imagingdevice 1 to the server 3 via the portable terminal 2, saves the imagesfor sharing, and sends sharing information such as the addresses ofthese saved images to other portable terminals 100, 100, 100, . . .having sharing set. The other portable terminals 100 can browse, etc.images by accessing the server 3 based on the received sharinginformation.

By a user operating either apparatus among the imaging device 1 andportable terminal 2, the communication system S has functions forperforming a request for communication connection by a communicationmethod for which data communication of image file level is possible tothe other apparatus from the operation apparatus operated by the user,and performing, in a state in which a communication connection betweenthe imaging device 1 and portable terminal 2 has been established,transmission of image files with the other apparatus and browsing, etc.of image data retained by the other apparatus, according to operationson the operation apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 3, the server 3 is connected to be able to exchangeimage data with the portable terminal 2 via a network N such as theInternet, and is configured to be able to make images available over thenetwork. It should be noted that, since the hardware configurations arethe same as the imaging device 1, except for the image capture unit 16and first communication unit 20, explanations will be omitted.

Hereinafter, in the case of using the hardware of the server 3 as anexplanation, “3” will be appended to the end of the reference symbol. Inother words, the server 3 defines elements noted as CPU 11-3 toremovable media 31-3.

Hereinafter, link preparation processing (pairing processing) will beexplained.

The user arbitrarily designates the imaging device 1 and portableterminal 2 serving as the targets of automatic image transfer processingfrom among a plurality of imaging devices and a plurality of portableterminals, and processing for pairing the designated imaging device 1and portable terminal 2 is performed.

After link preparation processing (pairing processing) has completed, itis automatically determined whether or not to perform a link operationdepending on the mode setting operation on the imaging device 1 orportable terminal 2 by the user, and which of the imaging device 1 andportable terminal 2 is operated by the user, and which of the automaticimage transfer processing and remote operation processing to execute.

Upon photography being instructed according to a user operation, theimaging device 1 performs normal image capture recording so long as thelink operation mode is not set; however, in the case of the linkoperation mode being set, it initiates automatic image transferprocessing automatically.

In addition, the portable terminal 2 initiates remote operationprocessing automatically in the case of link operation being instructedaccording to a user operation.

Next, the automatic image transfer processing will be explained.

“Automatic image transfer processing” refers to a series of processingin the imaging device 1 of establishing a communication connection byway of the second communication method with the portable terminal 2 inthe case of having acquires a captured image from the image capture unit16, sending the captured image to the portable terminal 2, and receivingan image automatically in the portable terminal 2.

In the case of executing the automatic image reception processing on theimaging device 1 side, as shown in FIG. 4, the photography control unit51 and communication control unit 52 function in the CPU 11-1.

In addition, the image storage section 71 is established in an area ofthe storage unit 19-1.

The data of captured images acquired from the image capture unit 16 isstored in the image storage section 71.

The photography control unit 51 controls the image capture unit 16 so asto execute photography processing. As a result thereof, a captured imageis outputted from the image capture unit 16. The outputted capturedimage is stored in the image storage section 71.

The communication control unit 52 controls the first communication unit20-1 (second communication unit 21-1) so as to perform communication byLE (Wi-Fi), which is the first communication method (secondcommunication method), and perform instruction and data communication tothe portable terminal 2.

More specifically, the communication control unit 52 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to perform communication by Wi-Fi, whichis the second communication method, and send an image captured by theimaging device 1 to the portable terminal 2, for example.

In addition, in the case of executing automatic image receptionprocessing on the portable terminal 2 side, as shown in FIG. 4, theapplication manager 91 and communication control unit 92 function in theCPU 11-2.

In addition, the image storage section 111 is established in an area ofthe storage unit 19-2.

The data of captured images acquired from the imaging device 1 is storedin the image storage section 111.

The application manager 91 manages the launch, end, etc. of applications(application programs).

More specifically, the application manager 91, for example, performscommunication by LE, which is the first communication method, and ifreceiving an instruction to launch an application program (hereinaftersimply referred to as “application” or “app”) in the first communicationunit 20-2, launches the designated app. In the present embodiment, theapplication manager 91 causes the communication control function to beexhibited by launching an app that performs communication control ofWi-Fi. It should be noted that “launch” for app or device, in additionto the case of newly executing an app, includes a case of restartingexecution of an app in sleep (during execution in background), andincludes a case accompanying transitioning the power source from the OFFstate to ON state.

The communication control unit 92 controls the first communication unit20-2 (second communication unit 21-2) so as to perform communication byLE (Wi-Fi), which is the first communication method (secondcommunication method), and perform reception of instructions and datacommunication to the portable terminal 2.

More specifically, the communication control unit 92 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to perform communication by Wi-Fi, whichis the second communication method, and receive images from the imagingdevice 1, for example.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of automatic image receptionprocessing executed by the imaging device 1 and portable terminal 2 ofFIG. 3 having the functional configurations of FIG. 4.

It should be noted that, in the initial state of automatic imagereception processing, pairing of LE that is the first communicationmethod is completed between the imaging device 1 and portable terminal2, thereby entering a constantly connected state. In addition, althoughbeing an OFF state for Wi-Fi, which is the first communication method,the Wi-Fi settings (profiles) for each other are acquired between theimaging device 1 and portable terminal 2, and a state is entered inwhich 1-to-1 communication connection between the imaging device 1 andportable terminal 2 can be easily established during activation ofWi-Fi.

<Automatic Image Transfer Processing on Imaging Device 1 Side>

In Step S311-1, the photography control unit 51 controls the imagecapture unit 16 so as to execute photography processing. As a resultthereof, a captured image is outputted from the image capture unit 16.The outputted captured image is stored in the image storage section 71.

In Step S312-1, the communication control unit 52 controls the firstcommunication unit 20-1 so as to perform communication by LE, which isthe first communication method, and send an instruction to launch an appto the portable terminal 2. As a result thereof, the app is launched inthe portable terminal 2 having received the instruction to launch theapp. In the present embodiment, the app performing communication controlof Wi-Fi being launched, whereby the communication control function isexhibited.

In Step S313-1, the communication control unit 52 controls the firstcommunication unit 20-1 so as to perform communication by LE, which isthe first communication method, and send the access point information ofthe imaging device 1 (hereinafter referred to as “camera APinformation”) to the portable terminal 2. As a result thereof, in theportable terminal 2 having received the camera AP information, Wi-Fi isturned ON in the ST (station) mode in which the portable terminal 2serves as an extension.

In Step S314-1, the communication control unit 52 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to turn ON Wi-Fi in the AP (access point)mode serving as the base unit.

In Step S315-1, the communication control unit 52 performs communicationby Wi-Fi, which is the second communication method, and determineswhether a connection with the portable terminal 2 has been establishedin the second communication unit 21-1 (if a connection with the portableterminal 2 has not been established, it waits for a connection requestfrom the portable terminal 2 to establish a connection).

In the case of having established a connection with the portableterminal 2, it is determined as YES in Step S315-1, and the processingadvances to Step S318-1. The processing of Step S318-1 and after will bedescribed later.

In contrast, in the case of not establishing a connection with theportable terminal 2, it is determined as NO in Step S315-1, and theprocessing advances to Step S316-1.

In Step S316-1, the communication control unit 52 determines whether atime set in advance has elapsed and timed out.

In the case of not having timed out, it is determined as NO in StepS316-1, and the processing returns to Step S315-1.

In the case of having timed out, it is determined as YES in Step S316-1,and the processing advances to Step S317-1.

In Step S317-1, displaying an error message, etc., the communicationcontrol unit 52 controls the second communication unit 21-1 so as toturn OFF Wi-Fi (at this time, it may be configured so as to attemptreconnection according to an instruction of the user without suddenlyturning off Wi-Fi, or repeatedly attempt reconnection automatically fora fixed interval). Subsequently, the processing returns to Step S311-1.

In Step S318-1, the communication control unit 52 performs communicationby Wi-Fi, which is the second communication method, and controls thesecond communication unit 21-1 so as to send a captured imagephotographed to the connected portable terminal 2. As a result thereof,the captured image photographed is sent by Wi-Fi. Subsequently,automatic image reception processing on the imaging device 1 side ends.

<Automatic Image Reception Processing on Portable Terminal 2 Side>

In Step S311-2, the application manager 91 performs communication byBLE, which is the first communication method, and if receiving aninstruction to launch an app in the first communication unit 20-2,launches the designated app. In the present embodiment, the appperforming communication control of Wi-Fi being launched, whereby thecommunication control function is exhibited.

In Step S312-2, the communication control unit 92 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to perform communication by BLE, which isthe first communication method, and in the case of having receivedcamera AP information from the imaging device 1, to turn ON Wi-Fi in theST mode.

In Step S313-2, the communication control unit 92 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to search for the imaging device 1 of theaccess point (AP) corresponding to the received camera AP information.

In Step S314-2, the communication control unit 92 determines whether theimaging device 1 of the access point (AP) was found.

In the case of the imaging device 1 of the access point having beenfound (or in the case of a connection with the imaging device 1 alreadybeing established), it is determined as YES in Step S314-2, and theprocessing advances to Step S317-2. The processing of Step S317-2 andafter will be described later.

In contrast, in the case of the imaging device 1 of the access point notbeing found, it is determined as NO in Step S314-2, and the processingadvances to Step S315-2.

In Step S315-2, the communication control unit 92 determines whether atime set in advance has elapsed and timed out.

In the case of not having timed out, it is determined as NO in StepS315-2, and the processing returns to Step S314-2.

In the case of having timed out, it is determined as YES in Step S315-2,and the processing advances to Step S316-2.

In Step S316-2, displaying an error message, etc., the applicationmanager 91 ends the app launched in Step S311-2. By ending the app, theWi-Fi communication function of the second communication unit 21-2 isturned OFF (at this time, it may be configured so as to attemptreconnection according to an instruction of the user, withoutimmediately ending the app to turn OFF Wi-Fi, or repeatedly attemptreconnection automatically for a fixed interval). Subsequently, theprocessing returns to Step S311-2.

In Step S317-2, the communication control unit 92 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to perform communication by Wi-Fi, whichis the second communication method, connect to the imaging device 1 ofthe access point (AP), and notify the imaging device 1 of havingconnected (establish a communication connection with the imaging device1).

In Step S318-2, the communication control unit 92 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to receive an image sent from the imagingdevice 1. The received image is stored in the image storage section 111.Subsequently, the automatic image reception processing on the portableterminal 2 side ends.

Next, remote operation processing will be explained.

In addition, “remote operation processing” refers to a series ofprocessing in which a link operation is instructed by a user operationat the portable terminal 2, and if various link operation modes such asREC mode/PLAY mode are selected, establishing a communication connectionby the second communication method with the imaging device 1, andexecuting an operation corresponding to the selected link operation modein the imaging device 1.

In the case of executing the mode operation processing on the imagingdevice 1 side, as shown in FIG. 4, the photography control unit 51 andcommunication control unit 52 function in the CPU 11-1.

In addition, the image storage section 71 is established in an area ofthe storage unit 19-1.

Data of captured images acquired from the image capture unit 16-1 isstored in the image storage section 71.

The photography control unit 51 controls the image capture unit 16-1 soas to capture a through image. As a result thereof, a through image isoutputted from the image capture unit 16-1.

The communication control unit 52 controls the first communication unit20-1 (second communication unit 21-1) so as to perform communication byBLE (Wi-Fi), which is the first communication method (secondcommunication method), and perform instruction and data communication tothe portable terminal 2.

More specifically, the communication control unit 52 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to perform communication by Wi-Fi, whichis the second communication method, and send the through image made fromthe image capture unit 16-1 to the portable terminal 2, during REC mode,for example. In addition, the communication control unit 52 controls thesecond communication unit 21-1 so as to perform communication by Wi-Fi,which is the second communication method, and send a list of imagesstored in the image storage section 71 to the portable terminal 2 duringPLAY mode.

In addition, in the case of executing automatic image receptionprocessing on the portable terminal 2 side, as shown in FIG. 4, theapplication manager 91 and communication control unit 92 function in theCPU 11-2.

In addition, the image storage section 111 is established in an area ofthe storage unit 19-2.

Data of images acquired from the imaging device 1 is stored in the imagestorage section 111.

The application manager 91 manages the launch, end, etc. ofapplications.

More specifically, the application manager 91 performs communication byBLE, which is the first communication method, and if receiving aninstruction to launch an app in the first communication unit 20-2,launches the designated app. In the present embodiment, the applicationmanager 91 causes the communication control function to be exhibited bylaunching the app that performs communication control of Wi-Fi.

The communication control unit 92 controls the first communication unit20-2 (second communication unit 21-2) so as to perform communication byBLE (Wi-Fi), which is the first communication method (secondcommunication method), and perform instruction and data communication tothe portable terminal 2.

More specifically, the communication control unit 92 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to perform communication by Wi-Fi, whichis the second communication method, and receive from the imaging device1 a through image made from the image capture unit 16-1, during RECmode, for example. In addition, the communication control unit 92controls the second communication unit 21-2 so as to performcommunication by Wi-Fi, which is the second communication method, andreceive from the imaging device 1 a list of images stored in the imagestorage section 71, during PLAY mode.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of remote operationprocessing executed by the imaging device 1 and portable terminal 2 ofFIG. 3 having the functional configurations of FIG. 4.

It should be noted that, in the initial state of mode operationprocessing, pairing of BLE, which is the first communication method, hascompleted between the imaging device 1 and portable terminal 2, therebyentering a constant connection state. In addition, although being an OFFstate for Wi-Fi, which is the first communication method, the Wi-Fisettings (profiles) for each other are acquired between the imagingdevice 1 and portable terminal 2, and a state is entered in which 1-to-1communication connection between the imaging device 1 and portableterminal 2 can be established during activation of Wi-Fi.

<Remote Operation Processing on Imaging Device 1 Side>

In Step S411-1, the imaging device 1 activates in response to a requestfrom the portable terminal 2 via communication by BLE, which is thefirst communication method, and sets the link operation mode designatedfrom the portable terminal 2. In the present embodiment, the linkoperation mode is set to either mode of a REC mode that performsphotographing while confirming the through image from the imaging device1 in the portable terminal 2, and a PLAY mode for browsing an image liststored in the imaging device 1 on the portable terminal 2.

In Step S412-1, the communication control unit 52 controls the firstcommunication unit 20-1 so as to perform communication by BLE, which isthe first communication method, and send camera AP information to theportable terminal 2. As a result thereof, in the portable terminal 2having received the camera AP information, Wi-Fi is turned ON in the ST(station) mode in which the portable terminal 2 serves as an extensiondevice.

In Step S413-1, the communication control unit 52 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to turn ON Wi-Fi in AP (access point) modeserving as the base unit.

In Step S414-1, the communication control unit 52 performs communicationby Wi-Fi, which is the second communication method, and determineswhether having established a connection with the portable terminal 2 inthe second communication unit 21-1.

In the case of having established a connection with the portableterminal 2, it is determined as YES in Step S414-1, and the processingadvances to Step S417-1. The processing of Step S417-1 will be describedlater.

In contrast, in the case of not having established a connection with theportable terminal 2, it is determined as NO in Step S414-1, and theprocessing advances to Step S415-1.

In Step S415-1, the communication control unit 52 determines whether atime set in advance has elapsed and timed out.

In the case of not having timed out, it is determined as NO in StepS415-1, and the processing returns to Step S414-1.

In the case of having timed out, it is determined as YES in Step S415-1,and the processing advances to Step S416-1.

In Step S416-1, the communication control unit 52 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to turn OFF Wi-Fi. Subsequently, theprocessing returns to Step S411-1.

In Step S417-1, the photography control unit 51 and communicationcontrol unit 52 operate in the mode designated in Step S411-1. In otherwords, in the case of the designated mode being the REC mode, thephotography control unit 51 controls the image capture unit 16-1 so asto capture a through image, thereby acquiring a through image. Then, thecommunication control unit 52 controls the second communication unit21-1 so as to perform communication by Wi-Fi, which is the secondcommunication method, and send the acquired through image to theportable terminal 2. In addition, in the case of the designated modebeing the PLAY mode, the communication control unit 52 controls thesecond communication unit 21-1 so as to perform communication by Wi-Fi,which is the second communication method, and send a list of imagesstored in the image storage section 111 to the portable terminal 2.

Subsequently, the mode operation processing on the imaging device 1 sideends.

<Remote Operation Processing on Portable Terminal 2 Side>

In Step S411-2, the application manager 91 launches an app with theoperation or the like on the input unit 17 by the user. In the presentembodiment, the app exhibiting the functions designating the mode islaunched, whereby the designated functions of the mode are exhibited.

In Step S412-2, when the user performs an operation to select any of aplurality of link operation modes including REC mode and PLAY mode byoperating the input unit 17, the communication control unit 92 controlsthe second communication unit 21-2 so as to send instruction informationin order to activate and perform instruction to set to the selected linkoperation in the imaging device 1, via communication by BLE, which isthe first communication method. In the present embodiment, for the linkoperation mode, either link operation mode of REC mode that performsphotography while confirming the through image from the imaging device 1on the portable terminal 2, and PLAY mode for browsing an image liststored in the imaging device on the portable terminal 2.

In Step S413-2, the communication control unit 92 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to perform communication by BLE, which isthe first communication method, and in the case of receiving camera APinformation from the imaging device 1, turn ON Wi-Fi in ST mode.

In Step S414-2, the communication control unit 92 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to search for the imaging device 1 of theaccess point (AP).

In Step S415-2, the communication control unit 92 determines whether theimage device 1 of the access point (AP) was found.

In the case of the imaging device 1 of the access point having beenfound, it is determined as YES in Step S415-2, and the processingadvances to Step S418-2. The processing of Step S418-2 and after will bedescribed later.

In contrast, in the case of the imaging device 1 of the access point notbeing found, it is determined as NO in Step S415-2, and the processingadvances to Step S416-2.

In Step S416-2, the communication control unit 92 determines whether atime set in advance has elapsed and timed out.

In the case of not having timed out, it is determined as NO in StepS416-2, and the processing returns to Step S415-2.

In the case of having timed out, it is determined as YES in Step S416-2,and the processing advances to Step S417-2.

In Step S417-2, the application manager 91 ends the app that waslaunched in Step S411-2. By ending the app, the Wi-Fi communicationfunction of the second communication unit 21-2 is turned OFF.Subsequently, the processing returns to Step S411-2.

In Step S418-2, the communication control unit 92 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to perform communication with the imagingdevice 1 by Wi-Fi, which is the second communication method, connect tothe imaging device 1 of the access point (AP), and notify the imagingdevice 1 of having connected.

In Step S419-2, the communication control unit 92 confirms thedesignated link operation mode.

In the case of the designated link operation mode being REC, it becomes“REC” in Step S419-2, and the processing advances to Step S420-2.

In Step S420-2, the communication control unit 92 performs communicationwith the imaging device 1 by Wi-Fi, which is the second communicationmethod, and acquires a through image. Then, it causes the through imageacquired to be displayed on the output unit 18-2. The user performs anoperation such as of a photography instruction while browsing thethrough image being captured by the imaging device 1. Subsequently, themode operation processing on the portable terminal 2 side ends.

In contrast, in the case of the designated mode being PLAY, it becomes“PLAY” in Step S419-2, and the processing advances to Step S421-2.

In Step S421-2, the communication control unit 92 performs communicationwith the imaging device 1 by Wi-Fi, which is the second communicationmethod, and acquires a list of images stored in the image storagesection 71. Then, it causes the list of images acquired to be displayedon the output unit 18-2. The user performs operations such as theselection of an image acquired from the imaging device 1, while browsingthe list of images stored in the imaging device 1. Subsequently, themode operation processing on the portable terminal 2 side ends.

Next, display operations for displaying changes in the radio wave stateand electric power supply state of apparatuses, or the communicationstatus changing before and after execution of link preparationprocessing (pairing processing), automatic image transfer processing andremote operation processing will be explained.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing displays of communicationstatuses of the imaging device 1 and portable terminal 2.

The status display of communication of the imaging device 1 and portableterminal 2 for the first communication method and second communicationmethod is configured so as to change the display for every status, asshown in the example of FIG. 11.

In the case of pairing not being made in the communication status, andthus a connection not being made (<pairing: not yet><connection: no>),it is configured so that status display is not performed.

In the case of pairing being made in the communication status, but aconnection not being made (<pairing: done><connection: no>), it isconfigured so as to display an icon indicating the first communicationmethod and the second communication method by dotted lines or in asemi-transparent state.

In the case of pairing being made in the communication status and aconnection being made (<pairing: done><connection: yes>), it isconfigured so as to display an icon indicating the first communicationmethod and the second communication method.

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing the functionalconfiguration for executing image sharing processing, among thefunctional configurations of the portable terminal 2 and server 3 inFIG. 3.

“Image sharing processing” is processing of sending images captured bythe imaging device 1 to the server 3 via the portable terminal 2, andsharing the images by establishing these images in a browsable state onanother portable terminal 100.

In the case of executing image sharing processing on the portableterminal 2 side, as shown in FIG. 12, the communication control unit 92and application manager 91 function in the CPU 11-2.

In addition, the image storage section 111 is established in an area ofthe storage unit 19-2.

The data of images acquired from the imaging device 1 is stored in theimage storage section 111.

The communication control unit 92 controls communication of the secondcommunication unit 21-2. More specifically, the communication controlunit 92 controls the second communication unit 21-2 so as to send imagesand an instruction to perform cloud album creation and sharingdestination setting to the server 3.

The application manager 91 manages and controls various applicationoperations, and causes images received from the imaging device 1 to bestored in an app album provided in the image storage section 111.

In contrast, in the case of executing image sharing processing on theserver 3 side, an application manager 131 and communication control unit132 function in a CPU 11-3.

An image storage section 151 is established in an area of a storage unit19-3.

Data of images acquired from the portable terminal 2 is stored in theimage storage section 151.

The application manager 131 manages and controls various applicationoperations, and creates a cloud album in the image storage section 151based on an instruction from the portable terminal 2, and for example,performs sharing setting to record a mail address of another portableterminal 100 serving as a sharing destination, and stores an imagereceived from the portable terminal 2 in the cloud album of the imagestorage section 151 thus created.

The communication control unit 132 controls communication of the secondcommunication unit 21-3. More specifically, the communication controlunit 92 controls the second communication unit 21-3 so as to send asharing notification noting the whereabouts of a shared image to therecorded mail address. In the present embodiment, a URL noting thewhereabouts of images is described in the sharing notification. In theother portable terminal 100 receiving the sharing notification, theimages are made browsable, etc. by accessing the URL described in thenotification.

Next, in Step S318-2 of the automatic transfer processing in FIG. 9 inthe case of the image sharing with the other portable terminal 100 b viathe server 3 being set, the flow of FIG. 16 is executed after receivingthe image in the case of image sharing via the server 3 being set.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of image sharing processingexecuted by the portable terminal 2 and server 3 of FIG. 3 having thefunctional configuration of FIG. 12. It should be noted that the presentflowchart is the processing that is executed in the case of the imagesharing with the other portable terminal 100 via the server 3 being set,and is performed between the portable terminal 2 and server 3 afterreceiving an image in Step S318-2 of the automatic transfer processingof FIG. 9.

<Image Sharing Processing on Portable Terminal 2 Side>

In Step S511-1, the communication control unit 92 sends an instructionfor cloud album creation to the server 3. Receiving this, the cloudalbum is created in the image storage section 151 by the server 3.

In Step S512-1, the communication control unit 92 sends an instructionfor sharing destination setting (in the present embodiment, registeringof mail address of the other portable terminal 100 that is the sharingdestination). Receiving this, sharing destination setting is performedby the server 3.

In Step S513-1, the second communication unit 21-2 receives an imagefrom the imaging device 1 by Wi-Fi communication.

In Step S514-1, the application manager 91 causes an image for sendingto the server 3 to be stored in the cloud album of the image storagesection 111, by receiving the image from the imaging device 1. It shouldbe noted that an image of a size based on the “resize when sending”setting is sent by the imaging device 1.

In Step S515-1, the communication control unit 92 sends an image to theserver 3. Receiving this, the server 3 causes the received image to bestored in the cloud album of the image storage section 151.

<Image Sharing Processing on Server 3 Side>

In Step S511-2, the second communication unit 21-3 receives aninstruction for cloud album creation from the portable terminal 2.

In Step S512-2, the application manager 131 creates a cloud album in theimage storage section 151.

In Step S513-2, the second communication unit 21-3 receives aninstruction for sharing setting from the portable terminal 2.

In Step S514-2, the application manager 131 performs sharing setting.More specifically, the mail address of the sharing destination isregistered.

In Step S515-2, the second communication unit 21-3 receives an image forsharing from the portable terminal 2.

In Step S516-2, the application manager 131 causes the received image tobe stored in the cloud album of the image storage section 151.

In Step S517-2, the communication control unit 132 sends a sharingnotification noting the whereabouts of an image to be shared to theregistered mail address. In the present embodiment, the URL noting thewhereabouts of the image is described in the sharing notification. It ispossible to browse, etc. images on the other portable terminal 100having received the sharing notification by accessing the URL describedin the notification.

A communication step T configured in this way possesses a function of,by simply photographing with a camera (imaging device 1), an image isautomatically transferred to a smartphone (portable terminal 2), and theimage is further sent to a cloud album and notification is automaticallyperformed to a sharing partner.

Conventionally, although there is technology of automaticallytransferring captured images from a camera to a smartphone, there hasnot been technology that performs so much as sharing of this destinationby simply being saved in a smartphone.

-   -   Therefore, the following such operations are performed in the        communication step T of the present embodiment.    -   Pairing the camera and smartphone by BLE following a sequence.    -   Upon performing pairing, a smartphone app distinguishes the        smartphone OS, and sends information thereof to the camera.    -   Access point information of the camera is stored in the        smartphone, and is configured to be able to automatically make a        Wi-Fi connection from the smartphone to the camera.    -   An album for sharing is created in the cloud album.    -   Sharing partner is set in album for sharing.    -   Smartphone app sets so as to share in a cloud album if receiving        images from a camera.    -   Access point of camera activated when performing photography by        camera, and instruction outputted to the smartphone by BLE so as        to connect to the access point of the camera. At this time, a        determination is made as to whether to forcibly switch to the        access point according to the OS distinction result of the        smartphone.    -   According to the OS distinction result of the smartphone, an        instruction is outputted by BLE and the app of the cloud album        also launches.    -   If a Wi-Fi connection is confirmed from the smartphone, the        camera sends a captured image to the smartphone. The size at        this time follows the “resize when sending” setting of the        camera.    -   When the smartphone app receives an image from the camera, it        saves the image at a designated location of the smartphone, and        transfers the image to the cloud album. According to the OS        distinction result of the smartphone, the exchange method of        images between the camera image reception app and cloud album        app is changed.    -   When the image arrives at the cloud album side, a notification        of the image being registered in the album is outputted to a        sharer.    -   The sharer having received notification can access the cloud        album to confirm images, by operating this notification.

As a result thereof, it is possible to exert the following effects bythe communication step T of the present embodiment.

-   -   It is possible to transfer a captured image automatically from        the camera to smartphone.    -   It is possible to share images automatically received by the        smartphone in a cloud album, without operating the smartphone.    -   Users will not be aware of differences in OS of smartphones.        <App Linked Processing by BLE>

The app linked processing by BLE is a portion not mentioned in FIG. 9and FIG. 13, and is a constraint of the OS serving as assumptions uponexecuting the processing of FIG. 9, FIG. 13, etc., and processingrelated to the constraints thereof.

The communication system S of the present embodiment uses a notificationfunction of BLE, and has a function allowing link operation to be madebetween a plurality of apps.

Conventionally, a “URL scheme” that is a mechanism of link operations bya plurality of apps operating on a specific OS (e.g., iOS) has arestriction in only being able to be used from an app in operation inthe foreground (top screen), and not being able to be used duringoperation in the background, and thus an app in operation in thebackground cannot link with another app using the “URL scheme”. On theother hand, the function of BLE can be used by an app in operation inthe background.

Therefore, it is made to operate as follows in the communication systemS of the present embodiment.

-   -   A BLE profile for performing request of app launch and        notification to the camera is provided.    -   An app having initiative (app A) connects (pairs) with the        camera by BLE, notifies another app (app B) of BLE connection        information, and jointly uses the BLE connection by the app A        and app B.    -   The app B prepares and waits so as to be able to acquire an app        launch notification from the BLE connection information.    -   The app A executes an app launch request, the camera receives        this and notifies app launch of app B, and then the app B having        received this initiates operation.    -   Upon releasing pairing with the camera, the app A notifies the        app B, and the app B ends standby for BLE notification.

Therefore, link operation is possible during operation in the backgroundfor a plurality of apps operating on iOS in the communication system Sof the present embodiment. In addition, after releasing pairing, it willnot standby pointlessly for BLE notification.

Next, app operation configuration will be explained. FIG. 14 is anoperation configuration diagram of apps in the imaging device 1 andportable terminal 2 of the communication system S of the presentembodiment.

The app A saves images automatically sent from the camera.

The app B is an app for realizing a link function of registering imagessaved by the app A in an album of app B management.

The imaging device 1 is a peripheral of BLE, and has a BLE profile forapp linking built in.

The portable terminal 2 operating by a specific OS is a central of BLE,and jointly uses the BLE connection by the app A and app B.

An iOS device is connected by BLE with the imaging device 1, andinformation of the BLE profile is communicated.

Next, an operation sequence will be shown. FIG. 15 is a flowchartshowing an operation sequence by the imaging device 1 and portableterminal 2 in the communication system S of the present embodiment.

The app A pairs with the camera, and notifies the app B of BLEconnection information by the URL scheme. The app A can use the URLscheme due to operating in the foreground.

The app B prepares so as to be able to acquire an app launchnotification (notification of app B launch notification characteristics)from the BLE connection information, and initiates standby for BLEnotification.

When causing the OS to sleep, the app A enters background operation.

The app A receives and saves an automatically sent image from the camerawhile in background operation, performs a launch request of app B to thecamera (fills data into the app B launch request characteristics), andthe camera receives this and performs notification according to the appB launch notification characteristics, the app B standing by for thislaunches, and registers the image in an album of app B management.

The app A notifies the app B by the URL scheme when releasing pairingwith the camera, and the app B ends standby for BLE notification.

<Imaging Device-Side Processing>

The imaging device-side processing is initiated by an operation ofimaging device-side processing start on the input unit 17-1 by the user.It should be noted that, after processing initiation, it operates sothat pairing (connection) of BLE communication and Wi-Fi communicationis established between the imaging device 1 and portable terminal 2 (appA).

In Step S611-1, the photography control unit 51 controls the imagecapture unit 16-1 so as to perform photography, and the communicationcontrol unit 52 controls the second communication unit 21-1 so as tosend the captured image to the portable terminal 2.

Subsequently, in the case of the launch request of app B from app A ofthe portable terminal 2 being through BLE, the communication controlunit 52 controls the first communication unit 20-1 so as to send launchnotification through BLE to the app B of the portable terminal 2. As aresult thereof, the app B of the portable terminal 2 launches, and thesent photograph is registered in the album. Subsequently, pairing(connection) with the portable terminal 2 is released, and the imagingdevice-side processing ends.

<App A-Side Processing>

The processing on the portable terminal 2 side of the app A and app B isinitiated by an operation of portable terminal-side processing start onthe input unit 17-2 by the user. It should be noted that, afterprocessing initiation, it operates so that pairing (connection) of BLEcommunication and Wi-Fi communication is established by the app A of theportable terminal 2 between the imaging device 1 and portable terminal2. In the case of pairing having established, the app A provides BLEconnection information to the app B.

In Step S611-2, the application manager 131 controls so that the app Aenters background operation by OS sleep.

In Step S612-2, in the case of receiving an image from the imagingdevice 1, the application manager 131 controls so as to save an image inthe image storage section 151 by way of the app A. Subsequently, thecommunication control unit 92 controls the first communication unit 20-2so as to send a launch request through BLE to the app B by way of theapp A under the application manager 91.

In Step S613-2, the application manager 131 causes the app A to operatein the foreground, and makes a pairing release operation. As a resultthereof, the pairing (connection) with the imaging device 1 is releasedand a pairing release notification is provided to the app B, whereby theapp A-side processing ends.

<App B-Side Processing>

In Step S611-3, the application manager 131 receives the BLE connectioninformation provided from the app A, and controls so as to initiate BLEnotification standby in the app B.

In Step S612-3, the application manager 131 controls so that the app Benters background operation according to OS sleep.

In Step S613-3, the application manager 131 controls so as to operate inthe foreground according to an app launch request from the imagingdevice 1, and the communication control unit 132 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to send an image stored in the imagestorage section 151 to the cloud server, and performs album registrationby storing images in a predetermined storage area of the cloud server.

In Step S614-3, the application manager 131 receives a pairing releasenotification from the app A, and controls so as to end BLE notificationstandby of the app B. Subsequently, the app B-side processing ends.

Modified Example

The present example is another example of a case of receiving an imagein Step S318-2 of the automatic transfer processing in FIG. 9, and thenexecuting the image sharing processing of FIG. 13.

In the aforementioned embodiment, the linking apps are not limited totwo.

In addition, it may implement a BLE profile for app linking not in theimaging device 1, but rather a separate apparatus.

<Album Registration Processing in Automatic Image Sending Camera>

In the communication system S of the present embodiment, an albumregistration function is included in the automatic image sending camera.In other words, in the communication system S of the present embodiment,the automatic sending camera has a function of automaticallytransferring images along with registering in an album on the Net, bymaking an album setting in advance.

Conventionally, a function is built-in of automatically sending acaptured image to a terminal side after photographing by a camera,between a camera and a mobile terminal such as a smartphone.Conventionally, after sending an image to the mobile terminal by awireless connection, it must register in SNS and register in an albumservice on the Net by a manual operation of a user. There is a problemin that album sharing many images requires an exceeding amount of labor,and particularly, since many images can be sent with a camera with thecurrent automatic sending function, a function combining this has beendesired.

1. Therefore, the following such operations are performed in thecommunication system S of the present embodiment. Advance Selection ofAlbum by App

Prior to initiating operation, as shown in FIG. 16, the album isselected by the app in advance, and in a transfer app on the mobileterminal side corresponding to the camera, it is decided in which albumsto register a selection of whether or not to register imagesautomatically sent by the camera in the album. It should be noted thatFIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a selection screen of albums bythe app.

As operations of the processing, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, uponturning ON “share album” in advance, when automatically sending usingthe camera, it will be registered in the album in accordance with thissetting. It should be noted that FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating theflow of album registration processing, and FIG. 18 is a flowchartillustrating the flow of automatic sending processing.

<Album Setting Processing>

The album setting processing is initiated by an operation of albumsetting processing start on the input unit 17-2 by the user.

In Step S711, the communication control unit 132 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to perform album service authentication inthe server 3.

In Step S712, the communication control unit 132 determines whether ornot authentication was OK as a result of authentication control with theserver 3.

In the case of authentication being OK, it is determined as YES in StepS712, and the processing advances to Step S714.

In contrast, in the case of authentication not being OK, it isdetermined as NO in Step S712, and the processing advances to Step S713.

In Step S713, the CPU 11-2 controls the output unit 18-1 so as todisplay an error due to being authentication NG.

In Step S714, the communication control unit 32 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to acquire an album list from the server3.

In Step S715, the CPU 11-2 controls the output unit 18-2 so as todisplay the album list acquired from the server 3.

In Step S716, an operation for selecting an album in the album sharesettings is made on the input unit 17-2 according to a user operation,and the application manager 131 selects the album to be shared.Subsequently, the album setting processing ends.

<Automatic Sending Processing>

It should be noted that the present automatic sending processing isanother example of the automatic transfer processing in FIG. 9.

The automatic sending processing is initiated by an operation ofautomatic sending processing start on the input unit 17-1 by a user.

In Step S811, the communication control unit 132 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to receive an image from the imagingdevice 1.

In Step S812, the application manager 131 saves the received image inthe image storage section 151.

In Step S813, the application manager 131 determines whether the albumshare setting is ON.

In the case of the album share setting being ON, it is determined as YESin Step S813, and the processing advances to Step S814.

In contrast, in the case of the album share setting not being ON, it isdetermined as NO in Step S813, and ends.

In Step S814, the communication control unit 132 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to cause an image saved in the imagestorage section 151 to be stored in a predetermined storage area of theserver 3, and performs album registration. Subsequently, the automaticsending processing ends.

2. Selection of Album by Camera in Advance

In the operations of 1, although being contents to select the album onthe app side, it can also notify the camera of album informationacquired on the app side, and select the album on the camera side.

The camera performs album setting in advance prior to photography. Byway of communication (may be either BLE or Wi-Fi), the album informationis acquired with an app of the mobile terminal, and this is notified tothe camera, whereby this album information is displayed on the camera.The user views the screen of the camera, selects an album, and setswhether or not to share in the album.

In automatic sending, a selected album ID is attached to the capturedimage, and sent to the mobile terminal. On the terminal side,registration is performed in the album according to the album ID ofimages received.

It should be noted that FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the flow ofalbum selection processing on the camera side, and FIG. 20 is aflowchart illustrating the flow of image registration processing.

<Imaging Device-side Album Setting Processing>

The album setting processing on the imaging device 1 side is initiatedby an operation of album setting processing start on the input unit 17-1by the user.

In Step S911-1, the communication control unit 92 controls the secondcommunication unit so as to acquire an album list from the server 3.

In Step S912-1, the CPU 11-1 controls the output unit 18-1 so as todisplay the album list acquired from the server 3.

In Step S913-1, the operation to select an album is made in the albumshare settings on the input unit 17-1 according to a user operation, andthe application manager 91 selects an album to share. Subsequently, thealbum setting processing on the imaging device 1 side ends.

<Portable Terminal-side Album List Acquisition Processing>

In addition, the album list acquisition processing on the portableterminal 2 side is initiated by an operation of album list acquisitionprocessing start on the input unit 17-2 by the user.

In Step S911-2, the communication control unit 132 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to perform album service authentication inthe server 3.

In Step S912-2, the communication control unit 132 determines whether ornot authentication is OK as a result of authentication control with theserver 3.

In the case of authentication being OK, it is determined as YES in StepS912-2, and the processing advances to Step S913-2.

In contrast, in the case of authentication not being OK, it isdetermined as NO in Step S912-2, and the album list acquisitionprocessing on the portable terminal 2 side ends.

In Step S913-2, the communication control unit 132 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to acquire an album list from the server3.

In Step S914-2, the communication control unit 132 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 to notify the imaging device 1 of an album listacquired from the server 3. Subsequently, the album list acquisitionprocessing on the portable terminal 2 side ends.

<Imaging Device-Side Automatic Sending Processing>

The automatic sending processing on the imaging device 1 side isinitiated by an operation of automatic sending processing start on theinput unit 17-1 by the user.

In Step S1011-1, the photography control unit 51 controls the imagecapture unit 16-1-1 so as to perform photography.

In Step S1012-1, the photography control unit 51 saves an image capturedin the image storage section 71.

In Step S1013-1, the communication control unit 52 determines whether ornot the album share setting is ON.

In the case of the album share setting being ON, it is determined as YESin Step S1013-1, and the processing advances to Step S1014-1.

In contrast, in the case of the album share setting not being ON, it isdetermined as NO in Step S1013-1, and the processing advances to StepS1015-1.

In Step S1014-1, the communication control unit 52 attaches an album IDto the image that is the sending target for sharing.

In Step S1015-1, the communication control unit 52 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to send an image to which the album ID isattached to the portable terminal 2. Subsequently, the automatic sendingprocessing on the imaging device 1 side ends.

<Portable Terminal-side Album Registration Processing>

The album registration processing on the portable terminal 2 side isinitiated by an operation of portable terminal-side album registrationprocessing start on the input unit 17-2 by the user.

In Step S1011-2, the communication control unit 92 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to receive an image from the imagingdevice 1.

In Step S1012-2, the application manager 91 saves the image received inthe image storage section 111.

In Step S1013-2, the application manager 91 determines whether there isan album ID.

In the case of there being an album ID, it is determined as YES in StepS1013-2, and the processing advances to Step S1014-2.

In contrast, in the case of there not being an album ID, it isdetermined as NO in Step S1013-2, and the album registration processingon the portable terminal 2 side ends.

In Step S1014-2, the communication control unit 92 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to cause an image saved in the imagestorage section 151 to be stored in a predetermined storage area of theserver 3, and performs album registration.

Subsequently, the album registration processing on the portable terminal2 side ends.

3. Selection of Plurality of Albums by Camera and App

In the case of using a plurality of albums for different purposes in theoperation of 1, the camera selects (N/A) not to album register with thethree types of album A, album B and album C on the album setting screen.It is possible to confirm the type of album being selected duringphotography (REC).

In addition, the app selects in advance to which album the album A,album B and album C are set specifically, respectively.

It should be noted that FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing a screendisplay example of the imaging device 1, and FIG. 22 is a schematicdiagram showing a screen display example of the imaging device 1.

Therefore, in the communication system S of the present embodiment, theautomatic sending camera that transfers many images automatically to amobile terminal can not only transfer images to the mobile terminal, butalso automatically send to an album on a network and share, by making analbum setting in advance. For example, it is convenient uponphotographing pictures of today's one day exhibition, and reporting tocoworkers, etc. In addition, by notifying the camera of albuminformation, it is possible to confirm and select an album name in thecamera main body. In addition, by simply switching albums on the cameraside and photographing, it is possible to perform album sharing simplyin the case of sharing albums with a plurality of themes.

Modified Example

In the operations of the aforementioned 1 to 3, although the serviceproviding albums is singular, it is possible to select and set from aplurality of different services of business entities on the transfer appside. By configuring in this way, it is possible to choose and registeran album from a plurality of services according to the modified example.Since it is possible to absorb the difference in services on the appside without being aware of the plurality of services on the cameraside, it is possible to perform album sharing simply by differentservices.

The data processing system configured in the above way realizes apredetermined link function by the first apparatus including a functionof acquiring data and the second apparatus including a function ofmanaging data linking.

The first apparatus includes a data sending means for sending data tothe second apparatus via the first wireless communication means.

The second apparatus includes: a storage means for storing a firstprogram for executing data reception processing for receiving data fromthe first apparatus via the first wireless communication means, and asecond program for executing data management processing for managing thedata received by the data reception processing; a switching means forswitching the first program and the second program to a stopped stateand active state; and a control means for switching the second programfrom the stopped state to the active state in a case of receiving databy the data reception processing in a state in which the first programis active, as well as designating this received data as a managementtarget and executing data management processing.

It is thereby possible to raise the convenience of data management witha data processing system.

The first apparatus includes an activation notification sending meansthat, in a case of having receiving an activation request for the secondprogram from the first apparatus via the second wireless communicationmeans, sends an activation notification of the second program to thesecond apparatus via the second wireless communication means, and thecontrols means of the second apparatus, in the case of not being able todirectly activate the second program from the first program, sends anactivation request of the second program to the first apparatus via thesecond wireless communication means, and switches the second programfrom the stopped state to the active state according to the activationnotification sent from the first apparatus in response to thisactivation request.

The second wireless communication means is lower speed than the firstwireless communication means, but is power saving, and the control meanscannot launch the second program by the first wireless communicationmeans, and is capable of launching the second program by the secondwireless communication means.

The data management processing is processing that manages by dividingdesignated data into any of a plurality of groups.

The control means designates the received data as a group managementtarget, and causes data management processing to be executed.

The second apparatus includes a group information sending means forsending group information related to a plurality of groups that can bemanaged by the data management processing to the first apparatus, andthe control means of the second apparatus causes the data received fromthe first apparatus to be managed by dividing into the groups designatedby the group selection information received from the first apparatus.

The first apparatus further includes a selection information sendingmeans for selecting a predetermined group from among a plurality ofgroups included in the group information received from the secondapparatus, and sending this group selection information to the secondapparatus.

Every time the second apparatus stores group selection information sentfrom the first apparatus, and receives new data from the firstapparatus, the second apparatus causes to manage by dividing into thegroups designated by the group selection information being stored.

The second apparatus causes to manage by dividing the data receivedalong with the group selection information from the first apparatus intothe groups designated by this group selection information.

The first apparatus allows the user to select by list displaying aplurality of groups included in the group information received from thesecond apparatus, and sends the group selection information based on auser operation to the second apparatus.

The second apparatus includes a third communication means forcommunicating with a server providing a data sharing service over anetwork.

The data management processing designates the data received from thefirst apparatus as a sharing target, and sends to a server via the thirdcommunication means.

The data sharing service is a service allowing a plurality of data setsto be shared by classifying into a plurality of groups. The secondapparatus designates a group designated by the group selectioninformation, upon causing the received data to be shared by designatingas a sharing target and sending to the server.

The first apparatus allows a user to select whether or not to share anacquired image, and sends sharing allowance information to the secondapparatus along with group selection information.

The first apparatus allows the user to select whether or not to share anacquired image, and sends sharing allowance information to the secondapparatus along with group selection information.

The second apparatus sends received data to the server in the case ofsharing being enabled.

Services on a plurality of different networks providing a data sharingservice are selected, and received data is sent to a server providingthe selected service.

The first apparatus is an imaging device including a function ofacquiring image data by photography.

The imaging device that is the first apparatus sends this image data byway of a data sending means in the case of new image data being acquiredin a state in which the automatic sending mode is set.

The imaging device that is the first apparatus stores and updates groupselection information, and displays a currently selected group on alive-view screen.

The second apparatus has a plurality of different types, and the controlmeans changes the control of activation depending on the type.

The first wireless communication means is a constant connected state,and the second wireless communication means establishes a connection inresponse to a connection request via the first wireless communicationmeans, and changes the connection establishing control according to thetype.

Conventionally, technology that connects an imaging device such as adigital camera and a portable terminal such as a smartphone by way ofwireless communication has been employed.

As an example of such technology, there is a photography system thatremotely operates a camera by way of a camera operation terminal (e.g.,refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No.2014-230024).

In addition, in the portable terminal, for example, it is possible touse various kinds of application software such as image sharingapplication software that shares images with other users by accessing animage sharing service on a network.

If using such technology, it is possible to manage image data and use animage sharing service by the user operating a portable terminal toenable photography to be performed by the camera by remote operation,and save image data sent from the camera in the portable terminal, thensubsequently perform various operations along with launching therequired application software.

In this case, the user will operate to launch different applicationsoftware depending on the type (e.g., iOS, Android, etc.) of OS(operating software) of the portable terminal.

However, in the case of using the aforementioned such technology, inorder to use employ an image sharing service using a camera and portableterminal, it is necessary for the user to perform an operation to launchthe required application software, and perform various operationsfollowing the method of the launched application software. Not limitedto a case of linking a camera and portable terminal, there is a similarproblem in the case of perform various types of management on dataacquired from linking between an apparatus providing data and anapparatus managing data.

The present embodiment has been made taking account of such a situation,and has an object of improving the convenience in the case of performingvarious types of management of data acquired by linking between anapparatus providing data and an apparatus managing data.

Third Embodiment

<Pairing Connection Operation>

Although an explanation has not been made for detailed portions in theaforementioned first and second embodiments, in the present embodiment,the processing related to the restrictions of BLE communication standardserving as the premise in the processing of the first and secondembodiments will be explained. The processing explained in the presentembodiment is executed when initiating the processing of FIGS. 9, 10,etc., and is executed in parallel to the processing of FIGS. 9, 10, etc.

In the communication system S of the present embodiment, upon connectingthe imaging device and portable terminal by BLE, although a connectionof Bluetooth (registered trademark) is established by outputting anadvertising signal from the imaging device and the portable terminaldetecting this signal and performing connection processing, thefollowing such problems (Problems 1, 2, 3) arise when the contents ofthe advertising signal are the same state. In addition, when theinformation carried in the advertising signal increases, the data sizeof the signal becomes greater, and will be a drawback in terms ofelectrical power.

(Problem 1)

Since the pairing settings can be changed by a different portableterminal than the portable terminal having set pairing, there is asecurity problem (hijacking problem).

If a situation in which there is an imaging device and portable terminalfor which pairing is set, and a BLE connection cannot be established dueto the distance between the two being far, etc., the imaging device willoutput an advertising signal to attempt to connect with the portableterminal. At this time, if a pairing operation is performed at anotherportable terminal, the imaging device and portable terminal will belinked and partial operation thereof becomes possible.

In addition, if a state in which the power source of the imaging deviceis installed, the contents of the BLE signal (SSID and password ofWi-Fi) will be sent to a portable terminal C.

(Problem 2)

If there is a portable terminal for which pairing is set prior thereof,since this portable terminal will automatically execute the pairingprocessing when the pairing operation is made at the imaging device, itwill not be possible to perform pairing processing at another portableterminal (portable terminal changing problem).

There is an imaging device and portable terminal for which pairing isset, and pairing release is performed by an operation on the imagingdevice. If attempting pairing of another portable terminal and theimaging device, when operating the imaging device, a portable terminal Bwill automatically connect with the imaging device. At this time, theportable terminal will not be able to continue the pairing processing.

(Problem 3)

Among imaging devices listed in the pairing processing of the portableterminal app, those for which pairing is possible and those not as suchcoexist (list sorting).

Address such a problem, the following such countermeasures are employedby the communication system S of the present embodiment.

According to the connection state (pairing yes/no) of the imaging device1 connecting with the portable terminal 2, the device name is made tochange, and then processing is conducted at the smartphone by utilizingthis change. In other words, depending on the BLE connection information(pairing yes/no) that is the pairing information of the imaging device1, a difference is imparted by adding a space character to the devicename of the advertising signal, and the connection control by the app ofthe portable device 2 is changed according to this difference.

More specifically, the communication system S causes the device nameplaced in the data of the advertising signal to change according to thestate of pairing of the imaging device 1, and diverges the processing ofthe app of the portable terminal 2 according to the device name. Itshould be noted that being able to do pairing is premised on beingone-to-one by the imaging device 1 and portable terminal 2. In addition,the portable terminal 2 identifies the imaging device 1 that is thepairing partner not by the device name, but rather by the BD address.

<State in which Imaging Device 1 is not Pairing>

The device name is made without spaces at the end in the SSID of Wi-Fi.

Example: “ZR1600-01ACDC” (device name+no space)

-   -   No automatic reconnecting even by pairing (avoiding “Problem 2”)        -   (For this reason, does not connect if not through a pairing            operation.)

<State of Imaging Device 1 Pairing>

Device name is made adding a space at the end of the device name.Example: “ZR1600-01ACDC” (device name+space)

-   -   No connecting with a smartphone not pairing (avoiding “Problem        1”)        -   (Connects only with a pairing portable terminal 2)    -   No displaying in a list of candidates for which pairing is        possible (avoiding “Problem 3”).        -   (Displays only devices not pairing)

FIG. 23 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configurationfor executing pairing connection processing, among the functionalconfigurations of the imaging device 1 and portable terminal 2 in FIG.3.

Pairing connection processing refers to a series of processing forperforming connection by performing pairing in the BLE communicationstandard between the imaging device 1 and portable terminal 2.

In the case of performing the pairing connection processing at theimaging device 1, as shown in FIG. 23, a pairing status determinationunit 171, advertising signal generation unit 172 and communicationcontrol unit 173 function in the CPU 11-1.

In addition, a communication information storage section 191 isestablished in an area of the storage unit 19-1.

Pairing information obtained as a result of pairing processing(information generated based on the SSID that is the identifier of theaccess point in wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) in the present embodiment) andconnection information obtained as a result of connection processing (BDaddress in the present embodiment) are stored in the communicationinformation storage section 191. The pairing information is the devicename in the advertising information used in the pairing processing,etc., and the BD address used upon connection after pairing processingends.

The pairing status determination unit 171 determines the pairing statusby referencing the pairing information stored in the communicationinformation storage section 191 (referencing presence of pairinginformation). The pairing status determination unit 171 determines as astatus not performing pairing (hereinafter referred to as “unpairedstatus”) in the case of there being no pairing information, anddetermines as a status performing pairing (hereinafter referred to as“paired status”) in a case of there being pairing information.

The advertising signal generation unit 172 generates an advertisingsignal based on the determination results by the pairing statusdetermination unit 171.

Upon the generation of the advertising signal, the advertising signalgeneration unit 172 changes information added to the advertising signal(hereinafter referred to as “advertising information”) according towhether the determination result of the pairing status determinationunit 171 is the unpaired status or the paired status.

The advertising signal generation unit 172 generates an “advertisingsignal of unpaired resource” setting the advertising information as“device name+no space (only device name)” in the case of being theunpaired status, and generates an “advertising signal of pairedresource” setting the advertising information as “device name+space” inthe case of being the paired status.

The communication control unit 173 controls the first communication unit20-1. More specifically, the communication control unit 173 controls thefirst communication unit 20-1 so as to send the advertising signal andexecute the pairing processing or connection processing. It should benoted that, as a result of the pairing processing and connectionprocessing, the acquired pairing information and BD address are storedin the communication information storage section 191.

In the case of executing the pairing connection processing in theportable terminal 2, as shown in FIG. 23, the communication control unit211, pairing status determination unit 212 and advertising signaldetermination unit 213 function in the CPU 11-2.

In addition, a communication information storage section 231 isestablished in an area of the storage unit 19-2.

Pairing information obtained upon pairing is stored in the communicationinformation storage section 231. The pairing information is the devicename in the advertising signal used in pairing processing, etc., and theBD address used during connection after pairing processing ends.

The communication control unit 211 controls the first communication unit20-2. More specifically, the communication control unit 211 controls thefirst communication unit 20-2 so as to detect advertising signals, andexecute pairing processing and connection processing.

The pairing status determination unit 212 determines the status ofpairing by referencing the pairing information stored in thecommunication information storage section 231 (referencing presence ofpairing information). The pairing status determination unit 212determines as a status not performing pairing (hereinafter referred toas “unpaired status”) in the case of there being no pairing information,and determines as a status performing pairing (hereinafter referred toas “paired status”) in the case of there being pairing information.

The advertising signal determination unit 213 determines whether theadvertising information of the detected advertising signal is anadvertising signal of unpaired resource or the advertising signal of apaired resource. More specifically, the advertising signal determinationunit 213 determines as an advertising signal of an unpaired resource inthe case of the advertising information being the device name+no space(only device name), and determines as an advertising signal of a pairedresource in the case of the advertising information being the devicename+space.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of pairing connectionprocessing executed by the imaging device 1 and portable terminal 2 inFIG. 3 having the functional configuration of FIG. 23.

<(Imaging Device-side) Pairing Connection Processing>

The pairing connection processing on the imaging device 1 side isinitiated by an operation of pairing connection processing start on theinput unit 17-1 by a user.

In Step S1111-1, the pairing status determination unit 171 determineswhether or not being an unpaired status.

In the case of being the unpaired status, it is determined as YES inStep S1111-1, and the processing advances to Step S1112-1.

In Step S1112-1, the advertising signal generation unit 172 generatesthe advertising signal of an unpaired resource. More specifically, theadvertising signal generation unit 172 generates an advertising signalof an unpaired resource to which information without a space in thedevice name is attached.

In Step S1113-1, the communication control unit 173 controls the firstcommunication unit 20-1 so as to send the generated advertising signalof an unpaired resource.

In Step S1114-1, the communication control unit 173 controls the firstcommunication unit 20-1 so as to execute pairing processing with theportable terminal 2.

In Step S1115-1, the communication control unit 173 controls the firstcommunication unit 20-1 so as to execute connection processing based onthe connection setting performed by the pairing processing.Subsequently, the processing ends.

In contrast, in a case of not being the unpaired status, but ratherbeing a paired status making pairing, it is determined as NO in StepS1111-1, the processing advances to Step S1116-1.

In Step S1116-1, the advertising signal generation unit 172 generates anadvertising signal of a paired resource. More specifically, theadvertising signal generation unit 172 generates an advertising signalof a paired resource to which information in which there is a space inthe device name is attached.

In Step S1117-1, the communication control unit 173 controls the firstcommunication unit 20-1 so as to send the generated advertising signalof a paired resource.

In Step S1118-1, the first communication unit 20-1 is controlled so asto execute connection processing based on the connection settingperformed by pairing processing. Subsequently, the processing ends.

<(Portable Terminal-side) Pairing Connection Processing>

The pairing connection processing on the portable terminal 2 side isinitiated by an operation of pairing connection processing start on theinput unit 17-2 by a user.

In Step S1111-2, the communication control unit 211 controls the firstcommunication unit 20-2 so as to detect an advertising signal. As aresult thereof, the first communication unit 20-2 detects theadvertising signal sent from the imaging device 1.

In Step S1112-2, the pairing status determination unit 212 determineswhether being an unpaired status.

In the case of being the unpaired status, it is determined as YES inStep S1112-2, and the processing advances to Step S1113-2.

In Step S1113-2, the advertising signal determination unit 213determines whether being the advertising signal of an unpaired resource.

In the case of being the advertising signal not of an unpaired resource,but rather paired, it is determined as NO in Step S1113-2, and thepairing connection processing ends.

In the case of being the advertising signal of an unpaired resource, itis determined as YES in Step S1113-2, and the processing advances toStep S1114-2.

In Step S1114-2, the communication control unit 211 controls thecommunication unit so as to execute pairing processing with the imagingdevice 1.

In Step S1115-2, the communication control unit 211 controls thecommunication unit so as to execute connection processing based on theconnection setting performed by the pairing processing. Subsequently,the pairing connection processing ends.

In contrast, in the case of the status not being unpaired, but ratherpaired, it is determined as NO in Step S1112-2, and the processingadvances to Step S1116-2.

In Step S1116-2, the advertising signal determination unit 213determines whether being an advertising signal of a paired resource.

In the case of being an advertising signal of not a paired resource, butrather an unpaired resource, it is determined as NO in Step S1116-2, andthe pairing connection processing ends.

In the case of being the advertising signal of a paired resource, it isdetermined as YES in Step S1116-2, and the processing advances to StepS1117-2.

In Step S1117-2, the communication control unit 211 controls thecommunication unit so as to execute connection processing based on theconnection setting performed by the pairing processing. Subsequently,the pairing connection processing ends.

Modified Example

Specialized to the specifications of a predetermined OS (OperatingSystem) (directed to iOS in the present embodiment) for strengtheningthe avoidance of “Problem 1”, it is possible to configure so as toprovide a characteristic of the device name, temporarily connect by BLEand acquire this, and then judge similarly to the connection allowancejudgement according to the device name in the above-mentionedadvertising data to decide whether to maintain a connection ordisconnect.

In addition, if adding a function of the present modified example to theaforementioned flowchart, it is possible to treat as FIG. 25. It shouldbe noted that FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating another flow ofpairing connection processing executed by the portable terminal 2 ofFIG. 3 having the functional configuration of FIG. 23.

<Portable Terminal-Side Pairing Connection Processing>

The pairing connection processing on the portable terminal 2 side isinitiated by an operation of pairing connection processing start on theinput unit 17-2 by a user. It should be noted that BLE of the portableterminal 2 is not connected during processing start as a premise.

In Step S1211, the communication control unit 211 controls the firstcommunication unit 20-2 so as to detect an advertising signal. As aresult thereof, the first communication unit 20-2 detects theadvertising signal sent from the imaging device 1.

In Step S1212, the communication control unit 211 controls the firstcommunication unit 20-2 so as to initiate BLE connection processing andperform BLE connection with the imaging device 1.

In Step S1213, the pairing status determination unit 212 determineswhether having done pairing processing.

In the case of having done pairing processing, it is determined as YESin Step S1213, and the processing advances to Step S1214.

In contrast, in the case of not having done pairing processing, it isdetermined as NO in Step S1213, and the processing advances to StepS1219.

In Step S1214, the advertising signal determination unit 213 determineswhether having judged the advertising device name.

In the case of having judged the advertising device name, it isdetermined as YES in Step S1214, and the portable terminal 2-sidepairing connection processing ends.

In contrast, in the case of not having judged the advertising devicename, it is determined as NO in Step S1214, and the processing advancesto Step S1215.

In Step S1215, the communication control unit 211 controls the firstcommunication unit 20-2 so as to execute connection processing.

In Step S1216, the advertising signal determination unit 213 determineswhether having judged the characteristic device name.

In the case of having judged the characteristic device name, it isdetermined as YES in Step S1216, and the processing advances to StepS1218.

In contrast, in the case of not having judged the characteristic devicename, it is determined as NO in Step S1216, and the processing advancesto Step S1217.

In Step S1217, the communication control unit 211 controls the firstcommunication unit 20-2 so as to execute pairing processing.Subsequently, the pairing connection processing on the portable terminal2 side ends.

In Step S1218, the communication control unit 211 controls the firstcommunication unit 20-2 so as to execute BLE disconnect processing.Subsequently, the pairing connection processing on the portable terminal2 side ends.

In Step S1219, the advertising signal determination unit 213 determineswhether having judged the advertising device name.

In the case of having judged the advertising device name, it isdetermined as YES in Step S1219, and the processing advances to StepS1220.

In contrast, in the case of not having judged the advertising devicename, it is determined as NO in Step S1219, and the pairing connectionprocessing on the portable terminal 2 side ends.

In Step S1220, the communication control unit 211 controls the firstcommunication unit 20-2 so as to execute connection processing.Subsequently, the pairing connection processing on the portable terminal2 side ends.

<Background Process Processing of Automatic Sending>

In the communication system S of the present embodiment, there are timelimitations in the background operations by the app of the portableterminal 2 (smartphone), and thus has a function of sending an imagetransmission within the time.

In a conventional imaging device, between the imaging device (camera)and a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a function is built in forsending a captured image automatically to the terminal side afterphotographing with a camera.

In order to send by simply an operation on the camera without operatingthe smartphone, an arrangement is implemented whereby an app is launchedas a background process by sending a launch notification usingBluetooth, whereby the smartphone receives images even in a sleep state.

Since there is a time limit in the background operations in iOS, it maynot be possible to send all of the data in this case.

Therefore, the communication system S of the present embodiment makesthe operations such as those shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. It should benoted that FIGS. 26 and 27 are flowcharts illustrating the backgroundprocess processing of automatic sending.

1. Performs process activation notification by BLE from the camera tosmartphone.

2. Launch app for image reception on smartphone in background.

3. Start Wi-Fi access point of camera, and connect by Wi-Fi withsmartphone.

4. Send list of files to send from camera to app.

5. App acquires files of file list from camera.

6A-1. In a case of data transfer finishing within time, report successto camera, end background process, and return smartphone to sleep state.

6A-2. Camera performs process start notification by BLE again in orderto send next file list.

6B-1. In case of data transfer not seeming to finish within time, reportfailure to camera, end background process, and return smartphone tosleep state.

6B-2. Camera performs process activation notification by BLE again inorder to send unsent file list.

6C-1. In the case of the background process ending without prior notice,the app cannot do anything.

6C-2. The camera detects communication disconnect, and performs processactivation notification by BLE again in order to send the unsent filelist.

It should be noted that a case of failure in sending retries by changingthe packet size of sent data.

<(Imaging Device-Side) File Transfer Processing>

File transfer processing on the imaging device 1 side is initiated by anoperation of (imaging device-side) file transfer processing start on theinput unit 17-1 by a user.

In Step S1311-1, the communication control unit 173 controls the firstcommunication unit 20-1 so as to send a notification.

In Step S1312-1, the communication control unit 173 determines theON/OFF state of Wi-Fi.

In the case of Wi-Fi being ON, it is determined as YES in Step S1312-1,and the processing advances to Step S1314-1.

In contrast, in the case of Wi-Fi being OFF, it is determined as NO inStep S1312-1, and the processing advances to Step S1313-1.

In Step S1313-1, the communication control unit 173 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to activate the Wi-Fi access point.

In Step S1314-1, the communication control unit 173 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to establish HTTP communication.

In Step S1315-1, the communication control unit 173 creates a file list.

In Step S1316-1, the communication control unit 173 sends the file list.

In Step S1317-1, the communication control unit 173 sends the file.

In Step S1318-1, the communication control unit 173 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to determine whether to have detectedtimeout at the portable terminal 2.

In the case of having detected timeout at the portable terminal 2, it isdetermined as YES in Step S1318-1, and the processing advances to StepS1321-1.

In contrast, in the case of not having detected timeout of the portableterminal 2, it is determined as NO in Step S1318-1, and the processingadvances to Step S1319-1.

In Step S1319-1, the communication control unit 173 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to receive a communication completenotification.

In Step S1320-1, the communication control unit 173 determines whethersending was successful.

In the case of sending having been successful, it is determined as YESin Step S1320-1, and the processing advances to Step S1322-1.

In contrast, in the case of sending not being successful, it isdetermined as NO in Step S1320-1, and the processing advances to StepS1321-1.

In Step S1321-1, the communication control unit 173 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to reset the sent data size.

In Step S1322-1, the communication control unit 173 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to set the next sent data.

In Step S1323-1, the communication control unit 173 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to determine whether there is subsequentdata.

In the case of there being subsequent data, it is determined as YES inStep S1323-1, and the processing returns to Step S1221.

In contrast, in the case of there not being subsequent data, it isdetermined as NO in Step S1323-1, and the file transfer processing onthe imaging device 1 side ends.

<(Portable Terminal-Side) File Transfer Processing>

The file transfer processing on the portable terminal 2 side isinitiated by a portable terminal 2-side operation of file transferprocessing start on the input unit 17-2 by a user.

In Step S1311-2, the communication control unit 211 controls the firstcommunication unit 20-2 so as to receive a BLE notification.

In Step S1312-2, the CPU 11 launches an application in the background(BG).

In Step S1313-2, the communication control unit 211 determines whetherbeing unconnected with Wi-Fi.

In the case of being unconnected with Wi-Fi, it is determined as YES inStep S1313-2, and the processing advances to Step S1314-2.

In contrast, in the case of not being unconnected with Wi-Fi, it isdetermined as NO in Step S1313-2, and the processing advances to StepS1315-2.

In Step S1314-2, the communication control unit 211 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to connect to the AP of the imaging device1.

In Step S1315-2, the communication control unit 211 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to establish HTTP communication.

In Step S1316-2, the communication control unit 211 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to receive a file list.

In Step S1317-2, the communication control unit 211 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to receive a file.

In Step S1318-2, the CPU 11 determines whether a process by the OS hasended.

In the case of the process by the OS having ended, it is determined asYES in Step S1318-2, and the file transfer processing on the portableterminal 2 side ends.

In contrast, in the case of the process by the OS not having ended, itis determined as NO in Step S1318-2, and the processing advances to StepS1319-2.

In Step S1319-2, the CPU 11 determines whether or not having made an endreport of the process by the OS.

In the case of having made an end report of the process by the OS, it isdetermined as YES in Step S1319-2, and the processing advances to StepS1321-2.

In contrast, in the case of not having made an end report of the processby the OS, it is determined as NO in Step S1319-2, and the processingadvances to Step S1320-2.

In Step S1320-2, the communication control unit 211 determines whetherreception of a file has completed.

In the case of the reception of a file having completed, it isdetermined as YES in Step S1320-2, and the processing advances to StepS1321-2.

In contrast, in the case of reception of the file not having completed,it is determined as NO in Step S1320-2, and the processing returns toStep S1317-2.

In Step S1321-2, the communication control unit 211 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-2 so as to send a communication completenotification. Subsequently, the file transfer processing on the portableterminal 2 side ends.

Therefore, in the communication system S of the present embodiment, dueto starting from notification of Bluetooth for all of the sendingprocess divided into a plurality of times, it is possible to send manypieces of data by a communication function with a time limit. Inaddition, it becomes easy to resend from data that could not be sent ina process having an unclear end timing.

<BLE Connection Parameter Adaptive Setting Processing>

The communication system S of the present embodiment has a function thatadaptively sets the connection parameter of BLE during camera power ONand during OFF to achieve both connection stability and electric powersavings.

Conventionally, although the data transfer rate increases with a shortertime for the connection interval of the BLE connection parameter, thepower dissipation increases. Although the time until determining thatBLE disconnected and performing reconnection processing is shorter andthe actually communicable time actually becomes shorter as the time ofconnection monitoring timeout shortens, disconnecting can be easily seenby the user.

Therefore, the communication system S of the present embodiment performsoperations such as those shown in FIG. 28. It should be noted that FIG.28 is a flowchart illustrating the BLE connection parameter adaptivesetting processing.

-   -   Change BLE connection parameter adaptively to during camera        power source ON and during OFF.    -   During camera power source ON shortens the connection interval        and the time of connection monitoring timeout.    -   During camera power source OFF lengthens the connection interval        and time of connection monitoring timeout. In other words, by        diverging at whether during camera power source ON and during        OFF, the BLE connection parameter setting is changed.

In other words, the BLE connection parameter adaptive setting processingis initiated by an operation of BLE connection parameter adaptivesetting processing start on the input unit 17-1 by a user.

In Step S1411, the CPU 11 determines whether the camera power source wasturned OFF.

In the case of the camera power source being turned OFF, it isdetermined as YES in step S1411, and the processing advances to StepS1413.

In contrast, in the case of the camera power source not having beenturned OFF, it is determined as NO in Step S1411, and the processingadvances to Step S1412.

In Step S1412, the communication control unit 173 changes the settingsto “connection interval←40 ms” and “connection monitoring timeout←3.01s”. Subsequently, the BLE connection parameter adaptive settingprocessing ends.

In Step S1413, the communication control unit 173 changes the settingsto “connection interval←1000 ms” and “connection monitoring timeout←5s”. Subsequently, the BLE connection parameter adaptive settingprocessing ends.

The communication system S of the present embodiment exerts thefollowing such effects.

-   -   During camera power source ON, the data transfer rate is higher        and the time in which communication is not possible is shorter.    -   During camera power source OFF, it operates in power savings,        and does not recognize disconnect even if some communication is        interrupted.        -   (Since data transfer cannot occur during camera power source            OFF, a problem does not arise even if the transfer rate is            low.)            <Wi-Fi Setting Control Processing on Imaging Device-Side>

With the communication system S of the present embodiment, when makingpairing of a camera and smartphone, Wi-Fi connection is facilitated, andsince connection is no longer possible if the Wi-Fi setting is changedfrom this state, it has a function of putting a restriction on thechange function for Wi-Fi settings by whether there is pairing or nopairing on the camera side. In addition, it has a function of adjustingso that operations are different according to whether or not there ispairing.

Conventionally, between a camera and a mobile terminal such as asmartphone, a function is built in for automatically sending capturedimages to the terminal side after photographing by the camera.

In order to automatically send, the camera and smartphone are paired byBLE, and the Wi-Fi settings of the camera are sent to the smartphone viaBT. The smartphone connects to the Wi-Fi access point of the camerabased on the information at this time.

However, the SSID and password of the access point can easily changesince they are only values of settings, and if changed, the camera andsmartphone will no longer be able to connect by Wi-Fi.

Therefore, the communication system S of the present embodiment performsoperations such as those shown in FIG. 29. It should be noted that FIG.29 is a flowchart illustrating the Wi-Fi setting control processing onthe imaging device 1 side.

-   -   The camera places the SSID and password of Wi-Fi access point of        the camera during BLE pairing in BT communication, and sends to        the smartphone.    -   The smartphone adds the received SSID and password to its own        Wi-Fi settings.    -   The camera records information of pair establishment,        subsequently masks a change menu for the Wi-Fi password, to make        it unexecutable to the user.

In other words, the communication system S of the present embodimentswitches allowed/unallowed for Wi-Fi password change according to thepresence of pairing.

More specifically, the Wi-Fi setting control processing on the imagingdevice 1 side is initiated by an operation of Wi-Fi setting controlprocessing start on the input unit 17-1 by a user.

In Step S1511, the communication control unit 173 controls the firstcommunication unit 20-1 so as to execute BLE pairing processing.

In Step S1512, the communication control unit 173 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to set the SSID and password, and activatethe Wi-Fi AP.

In Step S1513, the communication control unit 173 controls the firstcommunication unit 20-1 so as to send the SSID and password by BLE.

In Step S1514, the communication control unit 173 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to determine whether having detected aWi-Fi connection.

In the case of having detected a Wi-Fi connection, it is determined asYES in Step S1514, and the processing advances to Step S1515.

In contrast, in the case of not having detected a Wi-Fi connection, itis determined as NO in Step S1514, and the processing enters a standbystate in Step S1514.

In Step S1515, the communication control unit 173 saves the pairinginformation. Subsequently, the Wi-Fi setting control processing on theimaging device 1 side ends.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating Menu open processing.

Menu open processing start is initiated by an operation of Menu openprocessing start on the input unit 17-1 by a user.

In Step S1611, the communication control unit 173 acquires pairinginformation.

In Step S1612, the communication control unit 173 determines whetherpair setting has been done.

In the case of pair setting being done, it is determined as YES in StepS1612, and the processing advances to Step S1613.

In contrast, in the case of pair setting not being done, it isdetermined as NO in Step S1612, the Menu open processing start ends.

In Step S1613, the CPU 11 masks the menu. Subsequently, menu openprocessing start ends.

Therefore, the communication system S of the present embodiment canprevent automatic sending not being performed due to a setting change onthe camera side, and other communication functions no longer beingusable.

It should be noted that a function for switching the operationsaccording to the presence of a pair other than the Wi-Fi password is asfollows.

-   -   Automatic image sending        -   With pair: executable        -   Without pair: not executable (setting to ON also not            allowed)    -   Manual image sending        -   With pair: all executable        -   Without pair: sending with app in background not allowed            <Mode Judgment Processing of Camera Activation by BLE            Communication>

The communication system S of the present embodiment, in the case of thecamera being active for the main cause of BLE, has a function ofsuppressing wasteful processing of the camera by judging the modeactivating while confirming the BLE communication state, withoutsuddenly normally activating, and turning power source OFF as necessary.In other words, the communication system S of the present embodiment hasa function of making so that the camera only transitions to normaloperation by an intended operation such as a case of performing cameraactivation from a smartphone, so that wasteful activation processing isnot performed.

Conventionally, it is made possible to wait for BLE connection also in astate turning the power source of the camera OFF, by way of an HWconfiguration. In addition, when in a camera power source OFF statewhile BLE is live, various events of BLE are notified by HW of BLE, andwith this as the main factor, it has been possible to turn the camerapower source ON. However, as the main factor for a case of activating byBLE, since it is possible to activate by various factors such asdisconnection of BLE, connection, and BLE Read/Write request from asmartphone, it will perform excessive processing if normally starting upthe power source of the camera by simply all of the factors, whichbecomes a drawback in terms of electric power. In addition, upon thecamera activating BLE, it is difficult to leave behind the informationof by which BLE event it was activated. (Since the camera is poweredOFF, the contents of BLE connection are not left behind such as in theRAM.)

Therefore, the communication system S of the present embodiment performsoperations such as those shown in FIG. 31. It should be noted that FIG.31 is a flowchart illustrating mode judgment processing of cameraactivation by BLE communication. It should be noted that, as a“prerequisite”, in the case of BLE of the camera being a state ofadvertise or during connection, processing becomes necessary to set theBLE module to sleep, turn off the power source of the camera, and turnoff the power source while maintaining output of BLE.

1) Camera is activated by a certain BLE event.

By simply the camera being started by the factor of BLE at this time canbe understood as the activation factor.

2) Camera performs dedicated activation as BLE active standby state(only LED illuminated).

BLE reactivated to enter state of advertising, and timer started (5seconds).

It should be noted that a case of no BLE connection within the timer (5seconds) is judged as a BLE disconnect event.

In this state, BLE Sleep is set, and the camera is powered off.

→PowerOff (1)

3) A case of there being a BLE connection within the time of the timerreleases the timer and moves to the next processing.

After BLE connection processing completes, the timer is started again (5seconds).

It should be noted that a case of no Wi-Fi connection request by a BLEsignal within the timer (5 seconds) sets to Sleep while in this state,and the camera is powered off.

4) A case of a BLE signal being notified within the timer time is judgedas intentionally being activated from a smartphone, and the camera isactivated in Wi-Fi mode.

In other words, the mode judgment processing is initiated by anoperation of mode judgment processing start on the input unit 17-1 by auser.

In Step S1711, the communication control unit 173 controls the firstcommunication unit 20-1 so as to enter Sleep of BLE (advertise or duringconnection).

In Step S1712, the communication control unit 173 controls the firstcommunication unit 20-1 so as to generate a BLE event(connection/disconnection/Wi-Fi mode activation).

In Step S1713, the CPU 11 performs camera activation processing (minimumnecessary processing).

In Step S1714, the communication control unit 173 controls the firstcommunication unit 20-1 so as to perform BLE open processing (BLEconnection wait timer setting).

In Step S1715, the communication control unit 173 determines whetherbeing in timer wait.

In the case of being in timer wait, it is determined as YES in StepS1715, and the processing advances to Step S1716.

In contrast, in the case of not being in timer wait, it is determined asNO in Step S1715, and the processing advances to Step S1718.

In Step S1716, the communication control unit 173 control so as toperform BLE connection processing (request wait timer from portableterminal 2)

In Step S1717, the communication control unit 173 determines whetherbeing timer wait.

In the case of being timer wait, it is determined as YES in Step S1717,and the processing advances to Step S1719.

In contrast, in the case of not being timer wait, it is determined as NOin Step S1717, and the processing advances to Step S1718.

In Step S1718, the CPU 11 performs BLE Sleep processing and turns OFFcamera power. Subsequently, mode judgment processing ends.

In Step S1719, the communication control unit 173 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to execute Wi-Fi activation processing.

In Step S1720, the communication control unit 173 controls the secondcommunication unit 21-1 so as to execute Wi-Fi connection processingwith the portable terminal 2.

In Step S1721, the CPU 11 performs controls to activate NET modeaccording to the portable terminal instruction mode (remotephotography/viewing pictures/etc.). Subsequently, the mode judgmentprocessing ends.

Therefore, the communication system S of the present embodiment makes itpossible to curb the battery consumption of camera processing accordingto a BLE event as much as possible, by performing only the minimumrequirement processing in the case of the camera being awaken by a BLEevent.

Modified Example

In the case of judging as the activation by BLE disconnect, processingsuch that becomes more power saving may be introduced by changing thesettings such as of lengthening the interval of advertising.

The communication system S configured in the above way includes thefollowing such configurations.

A wireless communication system that performs predetermined linkedprocessing by a plurality of apparatuses having different rolesperforming wireless communication includes a pairing means fordesignating a combination of a plurality of apparatuses serving as thetargets of predetermined linked processing based on a user operation,and executing pairing processing to cause pairing information indicatingthis combination to be stored in mutual apparatuses.

The first apparatus includes: an advertising signal delivery means fordelivering an advertising signal that is a signal notifying anotherapparatus by way of wireless communication of its own existence and itsown provided functions; and an advertising signal control means forchanging its own identifier included in the advertising signal accordingto pairing information stored by the pairing means.

The second apparatus includes: a connection means for detecting anadvertising signal delivered by the advertising signal delivery means,and in the case of being delivery from an apparatus providing a functionrelated to predetermined linked processing, establishing a communicationconnect with this apparatus; and a connection control means forcontrolling whether to establish a communication connection with anapparatus for which the advertising signal was detected, based on thepairing information stored by the pairing means and a change state of anidentifier included in the advertising signal.

The communication system can thereby configure so as to preventunintended apparatuses from mistakenly being connected in the case ofcommunication connecting a plurality of apparatuses using wirelesscommunication, and thus can perform appropriate communicationconnection.

The first apparatus is an imaging device having an image capturefunction, and the second apparatus is an information terminal having adisplay function.

The predetermined linked processing is processing of sending image datacaptured by the imaging device and displaying at the informationterminal.

The wireless communication is wireless communication based on the BLEstandard.

The first apparatus is a peripheral of BLE standard, and the secondapparatus is a central of BLE standard.

The advertising signal delivery means does not send out an advertisingsignal in the case of being connected with any apparatus, and sends outan advertising signal in the case of not making a communicationconnection with any apparatuses.

The advertising signal control means controls the advertising signaldelivery means so as to send out a first advertising signal not adding aspace at the end of the device name included in the advertising signalin a state not pairing with any apparatus, and send out a secondadvertising signal adding a space to the end of the device name includedin the advertising signal, in a state having done pairing with anyapparatus.

The connection control means controls so as not to, in the case ofdetecting a first advertising signal, reconnect even if pairing is donewith a camera having sent out this first advertising signal, and in thecase of detecting a second advertising signal, reconnect if pairing hasbeen done with the camera having sent out this second advertisingsignal, and not reconnecting if pairing is not done.

The connection control means of the information terminal controls so asto initiate connection along with performing pairing at the time of apairing operation, and subsequently not to perform connection even ifentering a reconnectable state, in the case of ending connection whilepairing.

The first communication means by the first communication method and thesecond communication means by the second communication method areprovided.

The advertising signal is sent by way of the first communication method.

Identification information for identifying an apparatus of the secondcommunication method is included in the identifier contained in theadvertising signal.

A second connection control means is further included for causing acommunication connection to be established by the second communicationmethod using the identification information of the apparatus included inthe identifier contained in the advertising information.

The first communication method is wireless communication based on theBLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (trademark) standard.

The second communication method is wireless communication based on theWi-Fi standard, and the identification information is SSID.

Conventionally, technology has been known that configures so that, inthe case of an information terminal such as a smartphone remotelyoperating an imaging device such as a digital camera connected (pairing)via wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark),information of a partner-side apparatus once connected (pairing) isstored, and in the case of connecting (pairing) between the same imagingdevice and information terminal again, allows for easy setting ofphotography conditions, etc. using the information of the partner-sideapparatus that is being stored.

In addition, generally, since the battery is drained in a state whileestablishing a wireless communication connection, control so as to breakthe connection whenever possible is performed in the case ofcommunicating not being required, and in recent years, there has come tobe many cases of using a communication means of low electrical powerconsumption such as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (trademark).

However, in the aforementioned technology, although settings such asphotography conditions are easy after reconnecting between the sameimaging device and information terminal that had connected in the past,after breaking the connection between the imaging device and informationterminal having once connected, in a case of wanting to reconnect thesame imaging device and smartphone again, case of wanting to changepairing and reconnect, etc., it may mistakenly connect with anunintended partner, or problems in security may arise, in the case of aplurality of connectable imaging devices and information terminals beingpresent. There are similar problems in the case of performingconnections by wireless communication with a combination of an imagingdevice and an apparatus other than a portable terminal.

The present embodiment has been made taking account of such a situation,and has an object of, in the case of making a communication connectionbetween a plurality of apparatuses using wireless communication,preventing unintended apparatuses from being mistakenly connected, andconfiguring so as to be able to perform communication connectionappropriately.

The communication system configured in the above way can include thefollowing such configuration as a data processing system that executespredetermined data processing by a peripheral apparatus that is anapparatus providing a predetermined function and a central apparatusthat is an apparatus utilizing the function provided of this peripheralapparatus linking.

The peripheral apparatus includes a first communication unit and acontrol unit.

The first communication unit performs communication control by way ofthe first communication method to, in a state not establishing acommunication connection with any central apparatus, send an advertisingsignal, which is a signal notifying other apparatuses of its ownexistence and its own provided function by way of broadcastcommunication (BLE's connectionless broadcasting); establish acommunication connection with a central apparatus having responded tothis advertising signal; and maintain a communication connection byperforming communication periodically with the central apparatusestablishing this communication connection.

The control unit executes predetermined data processing by linking withthe central apparatus.

The central apparatus includes a first communication unit and a controlunit.

The first communication unit performs communication control by way ofthe first communication method to detect an advertising signal sent byperipheral apparatuses, in the case of the function indicated by thisadvertising signal being its own desired function, establish acommunication connection by way of the first communication method withthe peripheral apparatus, and maintain the communication connection byperforming communication periodically with the peripheral apparatushaving established this communication connection.

The control unit executes predetermined data processing by linking withthe peripheral apparatus.

The first communication unit of the peripheral apparatus and the firstcommunication unit of the central apparatus maintain a communicationconnection by performing communication periodically, even in a case ofthe peripheral apparatus and central apparatus not being a predeterminedoperation state capable of executing the predetermined data processing.

The control unit of the peripheral apparatus and the control unit of thecentral apparatus, in a case of not being in a predetermined operationstate, cause the execution of the predetermined data processing to startby causing the peripheral apparatus and central apparatus to link, aftercausing to transition to a predetermined operation state by transmittingpredetermined signals via the first communication units between theperipheral apparatus and central apparatus.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

The control unit of the peripheral apparatus and the control unit of thecentral apparatus, in the case of either of the peripheral apparatus andcentral apparatus not being in a predetermined operation state, causethe apparatus not in the predetermined operation state to transition tothe predetermined operation state by transmitting predetermined signalsvia the first communication units from the apparatus that is in thepredetermined operation state to the apparatus that is not in thepredetermined operation state.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

The control unit of the peripheral apparatus and the control unit of thecentral apparatus cause an arbitrary peripheral apparatus and anarbitrary central apparatus to transition to a pairing state that is astate combining together, establish a communication connection by way ofthe first communication units between the peripheral apparatus andcentral apparatus having transitioned to the pairing state, and executepredetermined data processing by linking the peripheral apparatus andcentral apparatus that transitioned to the pairing state.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

The control unit of the peripheral apparatus and the control unit of thecentral apparatus, in the case of establishing a communicationconnection between a peripheral apparatus and central apparatus that arenot in the pairing state, control the first communication unit so as toestablish a communication connection with the condition of a useroperation being performed for transitioning these two apparatuses to anew pairing state, and in the case of establishing a communicationconnection between a peripheral apparatus and central apparatus that arein the pairing state, control the first communication unit so as toestablish a communication connection automatically without a useroperation being performed.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

The control unit of the peripheral apparatus and the control unit of thecentral apparatus, in the case of establishing a communicationconnection between the peripheral apparatus and central apparatus,consider the pairing state of these two apparatuses, and the pairingstate of a combination with another peripheral apparatus or anothercentral apparatus, and judge whether to establish a communicationconnection.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

The control unit of the peripheral apparatus, upon sending anadvertising signal, controls the first communication unit so as tochange a state of part of the advertising signal according to thepairing state.

The control unit of the central peripheral controls the firstcommunication unit so as to decide whether to establish a communicationconnection with a peripheral according to the pairing state and thechange state of a part of the advertising signal received from thisperipheral device.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

The control unit of the peripheral apparatus, upon sending anadvertising signal, controls the first communication unit so as to senda first advertising signal in which a part of the advertising signal isa first state in the case of not being in a pairing state with anycentral apparatus, and send a second advertising signal in which thepart of the advertising signal is a second state different from thefirst state in the case of being in a pairing state with any centralapparatus.

The control unit of the central apparatus, in the case of receiving afirst advertising signal from a peripheral not in the pairing state,controls the first communication unit so as to establish a communicationconnection with this peripheral apparatus; in the case of receiving asecond advertising signal from a peripheral apparatus not in the pairingstate, controls the first communication unit so as not to establish acommunication connection with this peripheral apparatus; in the case ofhaving received a first advertising signal from a peripheral apparatusin the pairing state, controls the first communication unit so as not toestablish a communication connection with this peripheral apparatus; andin the case of having received a second advertising signal from aperipheral apparatus in the pairing state, controls the firstcommunication unit so as to establish a communication connection withthis peripheral apparatus.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

The control unit of the peripheral apparatus and the control unit of thecentral apparatus, in the case of communication connection by way of thefirst communication units being broken during execution of thepredetermined data processing, control the first communication units soas to re-establish the communication connection that was brokenautomatically, without a user operation being performed.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

The control unit of the peripheral apparatus, in the case ofre-establishing a broken communication connection, controls the firstcommunication unit so as to send a second advertising signal created bychanging a part of the advertising signal.

The control unit of the central apparatus, in the case ofre-establishing a broken communication connection, controls the firstcommunication unit so as to establish a communication connection on thecondition of having receiving a second advertising signal.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

The peripheral apparatus is an imaging device having an image capturefunction.

The central apparatus is an information terminal having an imagemanagement function.

The predetermined data processing is processing for sending an imagecaptured by the imaging device to the information terminal, and causingthis sent image to be managed by the information terminal.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

The control unit of the information terminal, in a state maintaining acommunication connection by way of the first communication unit, causesan image management program required in the execution of thepredetermined data processing to transition to an execution stop statein which execution is temporarily stopped, and in a case of receiving apredetermined signal via the first communication unit from the imagingdevice, causes the image management program that is in the executionstop state to transition to the execution state, and executes processingto receive and manage images sent from the imaging device according tothe image management program having transitioned to the execution state.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

The control unit of the imaging device, in the case of automatic sendingmode being set upon performing photography, sends a predetermined signalvia the first communication unit to the information terminal, and afterthe information terminal causes the image management program totransition to the execution state, executes processing to send thecaptured image to the information terminal automatically.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

The peripheral apparatus is an imaging device having an image capturefunction.

The central apparatus is an information terminal having an operablefunction and display function.

The predetermined data processing is processing to remotely operate theimage capture function of the imaging device according to operations onthe information terminal.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

The control unit of the imaging device, in a state maintaining acommunication connection by way of the first communication unit, causesthe power source to transition to the OFF state, and in the case ofreceiving a predetermined signal from the information terminal via thefirst communication unit, causes the power source to transition to theON state, and executes processing related to the image capture functionaccording to remote operation from the information terminal in the statehaving transitioned the power source to the ON state.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

The control unit of the information terminal, in the case of there beinga user operation in a state in which the remote operation mode is set,sends a predetermined signal via the first communication unit to theimaging device, and after causing the power source of the imaging deviceto transition to the ON state, executes processing to remotely operatethe image capture function of the imaging device.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

The control unit of the information terminal sends a predeterminedsignal designating the operation mode during start up via the firstcommunication unit to the imaging device.

The control unit of the imaging device causes to transition to anoperation mode designated along with causing the power source totransition to the ON state, in the case of receiving a predeterminedsignal designating the operation mode during startup from theinformation terminal via the first communication unit.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

The peripheral apparatus and central apparatus further include secondcommunication units that perform communication control by way of thesecond communication method in which data communication faster than thefirst communication method can be performed, but cannot communicate inthe case of the peripheral apparatus and central apparatus not being ina predetermined operation state.

The predetermined data processing is processing of performing datacommunication by way of the second communication method between theperipheral apparatus and the central apparatus via the secondcommunication unit.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

The first communication unit has lower power consumption for maintaininga communication connection than the second communication unit.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

The control unit of the peripheral apparatus and the control unit of thecentral apparatus start data communication by way of the secondcommunication units between the peripheral apparatus and centralapparatus, after having caused to transition to the operation state inwhich data communication by the second communication units is possible,by sending a predetermined signal via the first communication unit to anapparatus, among the peripheral apparatus and central apparatus, that isnot in the operation state in which data communication is possible bythe second communication unit.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

The second communication method sets the connection informationnecessary for establishing a communication connection with anyapparatus, and establishes a communication connection using this setconnection information.

The control unit of the peripheral apparatus prohibits a setting changein the connection information in a state having established acommunication connection by way of the first communication unit.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

The communication unit of the imaging device, in the case of receiving asignal via the first communication unit, causes the power source totransition to the ON state with the condition of being an intentionalstartup request signal from an information terminal that is in thepairing state.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

The control unit of the peripheral apparatus and the control unit of thecentral apparatus, in a case of the execution of predetermined dataprocessing being interrupted due to either of the peripheral apparatusand central apparatus no longer being in a predetermined operation stateduring execution of the predetermined data processing, causes theapparatus that is not in the predetermined operation state to transitionto the predetermined operation state, and causes the execution of thepredetermined data processing that was interrupted to restart, bysending a predetermined signal via the first communication unit from theapparatus that is in the predetermined operation state to the apparatusno longer in the predetermined operation state.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

The control unit of the information terminal causes the image managementprogram to be executed in the background in a state maintaining thecommunication connection by way of the first communication unit, andcauses the image management program to transition to the execution stopstate, in a case of continuously causing the image management program tobe executed exceeding a time limit for the background execution definedby the operating system.

During execution of the predetermined data processing, the control unitof the imaging device causes execution of predetermined data processingthat was interrupted to restart, by causing the image management programthat is in the execution stop state to transition to the execution stateby sending a predetermined signal via the first communication unit,every time execution of the predetermined data processing is interruptedbecause of the information terminal causing the image management programto transition to the execution stop state according to the time limit ofbackground execution according to the operating system.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

Predetermined operation state is a state in which the power source isON, and a state in which the program for executing the predetermineddata processing is operating, and communication according to the secondcommunication method is possible by the second communication unit.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

The peripheral apparatus causes the interval time for monitoring whetheror not the communication connection is being maintained by the firstcommunication unit to change, depending on whether its own power sourceis the ON state or the OFF state.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

The first communication method is wireless communication based on theBLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (trademark) standard.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

In addition, the communication system is a data processing system thatexecutes predetermined data processing by the first apparatus providinga predetermined function and the second apparatus utilizing thisfunction provided by the first apparatus linking.

The data processing system includes an execution unit, communicationcontrol unit, pairing unit and control unit.

The execution unit executes the predetermined data processing by thefirst apparatus and second apparatus linking.

The communication control unit establishes a communication connectionbetween the first apparatus and second apparatus, and maintains thecommunication connection between the first apparatus and secondapparatus, even if a case in which the first apparatus and secondapparatus establishing this communication connection are not in apredetermined operation state capable of executing the predetermineddata processing.

The pairing unit causes the first apparatus and second to transition toa pairing state that is a state combining with each other.

The control unit, in a case of the first apparatus and second apparatushaving transitioned to the pairing state not being in a predeterminedoperation state, causes to transition to the predetermined operationstate, by transmitting predetermined signals by way of the communicationcontrol units between the first apparatus and second apparatus.

The execution unit causes execution of the predetermined data processingto start by causing the first apparatus and second apparatus to linkafter causing the first apparatus and second apparatus to transition tothe pairing state.

In a case of establishing a communication connection between the firstapparatus and second apparatus, the communication control unit judgeswhether to establish a communication connection by considering thepairing state of these two apparatuses, and a pairing state of acombination with another first apparatus or another second apparatus.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

In addition, the communication system is a data processing device thatfunctions as a central apparatus executing the predetermined processingby linking with a peripheral apparatus providing a predeterminedfunction.

The data processing device includes a first communication unit and acontrol unit.

The first communication unit detects an advertising signal sent by aperipheral apparatus, and in the case of the function indicated by thisadvertising signal being its own desired function, establishes acommunication connection by way of the first communication method withthe peripheral apparatus, and performs communication control by way ofthe first communication method, which maintains the communicationconnection by performing intermittent communication with the peripheralapparatus establishing this communication connection.

The control unit executes predetermined data processing by linking withthe peripheral apparatus.

The first communication unit maintains the communication connection byperforming communication periodically, even in a case of the peripheralapparatus and central apparatus not being in a predetermined operationstate capable of executing the predetermined data processing.

The control unit, in a case of not being in the predetermined operationstate, causes execution of the predetermined data processing to start bylinking with the peripheral apparatus, after having caused to transitionto the predetermined operation state by sending predetermined signalsvia the first communication units between the peripheral apparatus andcentral apparatus.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

In addition, the communication system is a data processing device thatfunctions as a peripheral apparatus providing a predetermined function,and executes predetermined data processing by linking with a centralapparatus that utilizes this function.

The data processing device includes a first communication unit and acontrol unit.

The first communication unit performs communication control by way ofthe first communication method to, in a state not establishing acommunication connection with any central apparatus, send an advertisingsignal, which is a signal notifying other apparatuses of its ownexistence and its own provided function by way of broadcastcommunication; establish a communication connection with a centralapparatus having responded to this advertising signal; and maintain acommunication connection by performing communication periodically withthe central apparatus establishing this communication connection.

The control unit executes the predetermined data processing by linkingwith the central apparatus.

The first communication unit maintains the communication connection byperforming communication periodically, even in a case of the peripheralapparatus and the central apparatus not being in a predeterminedoperation state.

The control unit, in the case of not being in the predeterminedoperation state, causes to transition to the predetermined operationstate, and then link with the central apparatus and start execution ofpredetermined data processing, by sending predetermined signals via thefirst communication units between the peripheral apparatus and thecentral apparatus.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the data processing systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

In addition, the communication system configured in the above wayexchanges data between a plurality of devices.

Furthermore, the communication system is configured so as to registerthe transmission destination of each other between the devicesperforming communication.

In addition, the communication system performs a predeterminedcommunication procedure that communicates predetermined information andtransitions to a communication connection state establishing a mutualcommunication connection, performs intermittent periodic communicationevery predetermined interval in the communication connection state, andwhile the periodic communication is maintained, the communicationconnection state is maintained, and this communication connection stateis released in the case of this periodic communication being broken, andin a state in which the communication connection state is released,controls the allowance of transitioning to the communication connectionstate again according to the change state of the contents ofpredetermined information sent upon transitioning to the communicationconnection state and the existence of a recorded transmissiondestination.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the communication systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

In addition, with the communication system, one device detects theadvertising signal of another device, and controls the existence of aconnection according to the state of registering of a transmissiondestination between devices and the change state of the device nameincluded in this advertising signal.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the communication systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

In addition, the communication system is configured to operate so thatdata transfer is possible with an application in the background.

In addition, the communication system, during data transfer from onedevice to another device, launches an application having performed datatransfer from this one device to this other device every time the datatransfer operation in the background of the application in this otherdevice is interrupted according to the control of the OS (OperatingSystem), thereby restarting the interrupted data transfer.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the communication systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

In addition, the communication system monitors the communicationconnection state at a predetermined timing.

Furthermore, the communication system causes the interval time ofmonitoring of the communication connection state to change depending onthe power source of the device performing monitoring being the ON stateor OFF state.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the communication systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

In addition, the communication system, in a state of transmissiondestinations between devices being registered, in the case of acommunication event occurring in one device, turns ON the power sourceof this one device under the condition of having been an intentionalrequest from another device.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the communication systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

In addition, the communication system is configured so as to performcommunication by a plurality of different communication methods.

Furthermore, by causing to link with the first communication method andthe second communication method which is a different communicationmethod from the first communication method, the communication systemperforms predetermined control of one device and another device by anoperation from a partner-side device.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the communication systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

In addition, the communication system exchanges image sending requestsusing communication of the second communication method, and performsimage sending using communication of the first communication method.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the communication systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

In addition, the communication system prohibits a settings change ofcommunication in the first communication method, in a state in which thetransmission destination of communication by the second communicationmethod is registered.

Therefore, under the respective constraints, the communication systemcan effectively utilize the characteristics of communication orfunctions of the OS (or satisfy constraints), and cause a plurality ofapparatuses to link and operate more effectively.

The communication device configured in the above way includes a pairingmeans, a communication means and a control means.

The communication control unit 51 (pairing means) registers thecommunication partner.

In addition, the communication control unit 51 (communication means)transitions to a communication connection state establishing acommunication connection with the registered communication partner byway of a predetermined communication procedure that communicatespredetermined information, and in the communication connection state,performs intermittent periodic communication every predeterminedinterval, and while the periodic communication is being maintained, thecommunication connection state is maintained, and in the case of theperiodic communication being broken, controls the first communicationunit 20-1 so as to perform communication so that the communicationconnection state is released.

In addition, the communication control unit 51 (control means), in astate of the communication connection state being released, controls theallowance of a communication connection again according to the changestate of the contents of predetermined information sent upontransitioning to the communication connection state, and the presence ofa registered transmission destination.

Therefore, with the communication system under the respectiveconstraints, the imaging device 1 (communication device) can effectivelyutilize the characteristics of communication or functions of the OS (orsatisfy constraints), and cause a plurality of apparatuses to link andoperate more effectively.

It should be noted that there are the following such conditions asprerequisites of the aforementioned embodiment.

-   -   In Wi-Fi communication, a plurality of partners capable of a        communication connection simultaneously at one apparatus is        possible, and a plurality of apps utilizes Wi-Fi communication        while sharing. For example, it is possible to reference an image        of the imaging device 1 that is a camera simultaneously        connecting with eight portable terminals 2, which are PCs or        smartphones, to the AP of the imaging device 1 that is the        camera.

It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the AP (imagingdevice 1 that is a camera) that can simultaneously be connected from theportable terminal 2 that is a smartphone is configured as only onedevice.

-   -   In Wi-Fi communication, it is not guaranteed that data        communication connection is maintained while each app is        executed in the background.    -   In contrast, with BLE communication, it is possible for there to        be a plurality of partners capable of communication connection        simultaneously at one apparatus. In detail, it is configured so        that, although the central can connect with a plurality of        peripherals, the peripheral can only connect with one central.

In addition, with BLE communication, each app can monopolize its owndedicated communication connection. In other words, the physicalconnection of BLE is one, and it is possible to monopolize anindependent logical connection by sharing this physical connection.

-   -   In addition, with BLE communication, each app can maintain a        communication connection in a predetermined condition, even if        executed in the background.    -   Predetermined condition is the matter of an intermittent        communication performed every predetermined time interval        continuing in order to maintain the communication connection.    -   As a case of no longer satisfying this condition, for example,        there is a case of the radio wave status worsening due to the        distance between apparatuses increasing, etc., a case of        interrupting an application performing BLE communication in the        background forcefully in order to free up CPU power or memory        space in another app by the iOS, and the like. In other words,        in the case of the distance increasing, the physical connection        is broken; however, in the case of the operation of the app        being interrupted, the physical connection is maintained, and        data communication by the logical connection is interrupted.    -   The portable terminal 2 that is a smartphone can execute a        plurality of types of application software including application        software not relevant to the present embodiment.    -   When the portable terminal 2 that is a smartphone starts Wi-Fi        communication with another app unrelated to the present        embodiment in the foreground, during execution of Wi-Fi        communication with the app related to the present embodiment in        the background, the Wi-Fi communication of the app relevant to        the present embodiment may be interrupted. It should be noted        that, during execution of Wi-Fi communication (data        communication) with an application in the background, in the        case of starting Wi-Fi communication with another app in the        foreground, the Wi-Fi communication of the app in the background        will not necessarily always be interrupted, and it is configured        to be able to continue data communication in the background so        long as within a time limit in the case of iOS, for example.    -   In the case of performing BLE communication with a partner for        which pairing was made, with the application relevant to the        present embodiment in the background, the portable terminal 2        that is a smartphone can also be configured so as not to start        BLE communication with another partner with another application        irrelevant to the present embodiment in the foreground. It        should be noted that it is configured to allow unrelated        applications to make BLE communication.    -   Normal connectability of BLE communication in a case comparing        with Wi-Fi communication referred to in the present embodiment        has two meanings.    -   One is the meanings of the communication connection being        maintained even in a low electric power consumption state while        satisfying the predetermined condition.    -   The other one is the meaning of being able to reconnect easily        with the same partner, unless changing the connection partner        (concept slightly different from pairing?), even in a case of        the communication connection being broken due to no longer        satisfying the predetermined condition.

It should be noted that, although general BLE pairing indicates theestablishment of a BLE connection, in addition to the establishment of aBLE connection, the pairing of the imaging device 1 that is a cameraincludes the matters of an application of the portable terminal 2 thatis a smartphone recording the BD address of the camera, and the matterof one time establishing a Wi-Fi connection (in the case of iOS,registering the Wi-Fi profile). By the application of the portableterminal 2 that is a smartphone storing the BD address, it becomespossible to connect with a camera with which it was connected previouslyduring reconnection after BLE disconnection.

-   -   The OS of the portable terminal 2 that is a smartphone operates        under the aforementioned restrictions, e.g., is equipped with        version 8 of iOS.    -   Since the present embodiment makes the aforementioned such        assumptions, it is possible to configure so as not to be able to        register (pairing) in a fixed manner the communication partners        in advance by Wi-Fi communication, and it is possible to        configure so as to register (pairing) in a fixed manner the        communication partners in advance in BLE communication. It        should be noted that, in a case not considering electric power        consumption, it is possible to configure so as to cause Wi-Fi to        constantly connect, and it is possible to configure so as to        store the partner for Wi-Fi connecting in an application.

The merit of BLE use is being able to simplify the user operationsduring Wi-Fi connection, and with the input of SSID and PW madeunnecessary, it is possible to make a Wi-Fi connection by an operationon either one of the imaging device 1 that is a camera and the portableterminal 2 that is a smartphone.

In the embodiment configured as above, as an operation for enablingcommunication of low electric power consumption, BLE communicationstarts a connection by the central (portable terminal 2 that is asmartphone) detecting the advertising signal of the peripheral (imagingdevice 1 that is a camera), and after starting the connection, performsintermittent communication while repeatedly turn ON and OFF the electricpower source for communication every predetermined time interval.

As such a protocol (restriction) of BLE communication, the communicationconnection state is maintained while communication continues everypredetermined time interval, and in the case of communication everypredetermined time interval no longer being possible for any reason, thecommunication connection state is released. In the case of thecommunication connection state being released, it is necessary to beginfrom the advertising of the peripheral (imaging device 1 that is acamera) and the scanning of central (portable terminal 2 that is asmartphone) again in order to reconnect.

Any reason referred to herein, for example, includes the radio waveweakening from the distance between apparatuses increasing, a cause dueto limitations of the OS (operating system) of an apparatus, etc.

Among restrictions of the OS, in the case of iOS, for example, each appcan communicate with a BLE device by background execution; however, inorder to allow shared use of CPU power and memory with other apps, thetime for which continued operation is possible is limited, andconnection will be interrupted even if during execution of BLEcommunication.

For this reason, the aforementioned embodiment, for example, in the caseof assuming iOS, has an object of enabling more effective linkedoperation to be performed using a plurality of types of applicationsoftware, when causing to operate by a plurality of apparatuses linking.

In addition, the aforementioned embodiment, for example, in the case ofassuming BLE, has the object of enabling more effective linked operationto be performed using communication of low electric power consumption,when causing to operate by a plurality of apparatuses linking.

More specifically, the aforementioned embodiment performs activation andcontrol simply by an operation on one to the other, from the imagingdevice 1 that is a camera to the portable terminal 2 that is asmartphone, or from the portable terminal 2 that is a smartphone to theimaging device 1 that is a camera, by way of causing to link by BLE andWi-Fi.

In addition, the aforementioned embodiment exchanges an image sendingrequest using BLE communication, and performs actual image sending usingWi-Fi communication.

In addition, the aforementioned embodiment, in the case of automaticallyregistering a captured image in a cloud album via the portable terminal2 that is a smartphone by simply photographing with the imaging device 1that is a camera, causes the operation of the app to change according tothe OS type of the portable terminal 2 that is a smartphone.

In addition, the aforementioned embodiment, in the case of automaticallyregistering a captured image in a cloud album via the portable terminal2 that is a smartphone by simply photographing with the imaging device 1that is a camera, can automatically register in the cloud album underthe condition of having been set on the side of the portable terminal 2that is the smartphone in advance.

In addition, with the aforementioned embodiment, the portable terminal 2that is a smartphone launches another app by BLE via the imaging device1 that is the camera, since the app active in the background cannot linkwith the other app.

In addition, the aforementioned embodiment selects an album in which toregister in advance, and stores this selection information in theportable terminal 2 that is a smartphone, in the case of automaticallyregistering a captured image in a cloud album via the portable terminal2 that is a smartphone by simply photographing with the imaging device 1that is a camera.

Furthermore, in the aforementioned embodiment, the portable terminal 2that is a smartphone controls the existence of a connection according tothe pairing state and a change state of the device name included in theadvertising signal, in the case of performing BLE connection(reconnection) by detecting the advertising signal of the imaging device1 that is a camera.

In addition, the aforementioned embodiment restarts data transfer thatwas interrupted, by launching an application again by BLE from theimaging device 1 that is a camera, every time background operation ofthe application is interrupted according to the control of the iOS,during data transfer from the imaging device 1 that is a camera to theportable terminal 2 that is a smartphone.

In addition, with the aforementioned embodiment, the imaging device 1that is a camera causes the time interval for BLE connection monitoringto change according to its own electric power source being in the ONstate or OFF state.

Moreover, with the aforementioned embodiment, the imaging device 1 thatis a camera prohibits a Wi-Fi settings change in a state in which BLEpairing has been established.

Furthermore, with the aforementioned embodiment, in the case of a BLEevent occurring in a state in which BLE pairing has been established,the imaging device 1 that is a camera turns ON the electric power sourceof the imaging device 1 that is a camera under the condition of being anintentional request from the portable terminal 2 that is smartphone.

It should be noted that the present invention is not to be limited tothe aforementioned embodiments, and that modifications, improvements,etc. within a scope that can achieve the objects of the presentinvention are also included in the present invention.

In addition, in the aforementioned embodiment, an external apparatus isexplained as the portable terminal 2 configured as a smartphone;however, it is not limited thereto, and may be an electronic device suchas a tablet terminal, PC (Personal Computer), another digital camera, ora server. Furthermore, the communication method may be wirelesscommunication of NFC (Near Field Communication) for short distancecommunication, or other wireless communication such as a public network,or further, may be wired, and the transmission destinations may beplural and through a network such as the Internet.

Moreover, although an explanation has been provided with an example ofthe imaging device 1 to which the present invention is applied as adigital camera and the portable terminal 2 as a smartphone in theaforementioned embodiment, it is not particularly limited thereto.

For example, the present invention can be applied to general purposeelectronic devices having the aforementioned processing functions. Morespecifically, for example, the present invention is applicable tonotebook-type personal computers, printers, television sets, videocameras, portable navigation devices, portable telephones, smartphones,portable game devices, etc.

In a case in which the processing sequence is executed by software, theprogram configuring the software is installed from a network or astorage medium into a computer or the like.

The computer may be a computer embedded in dedicated hardware.Alternatively, the computer may be a computer capable of executingvarious functions by installing various programs, e.g., ageneral-purpose personal computer.

The storage medium containing such a program can not only be constitutedby the removable medium 31 of FIG. 3 distributed separately from thedevice main body for supplying the program to a user, but also can beconstituted by a storage medium or the like supplied to the user in astate incorporated in the device main body in advance. The removablemedium 31 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk (including afloppy disk), an optical disk, a magnetic optical disk, or the like. Theoptical disk is composed of, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-ReadOnly Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), Blu-ray (RegisteredTrademark) or the like. The magnetic optical disk is composed of an MD(Mini-Disk) or the like. In addition, the storage medium supplied to theuser in a state incorporated in the device main body in advance isconstituted by, for example, ROM 12 of FIG. 3 in which the program isrecorded or a hard disk, etc. included in the storage unit 19 of FIG. 3.

It should be noted that, in the present specification, the stepsdefining the program recorded in the storage medium include not only theprocessing executed in a time series following this order, but alsoprocessing executed in parallel or individually, which is notnecessarily executed in a time series.

In addition, in the present specification, the terminology of system hasthe meaning of the overall equipment configured by a plurality ofdevices, a plurality of means, etc.

The embodiments of the present invention described above are onlyillustrative, and are not to limit the technical scope of the presentinvention. The present invention can assume various other embodiments.Additionally, it is possible to make various modifications thereto suchas omissions or replacements within a scope not departing from thespirit of the present invention. These embodiments or modificationsthereof are within the scope and the spirit of the invention describedin the present specification, and within the scope of the inventionrecited in the claims and equivalents thereof.

In addition, the aforementioned embodiment configures the image captureunit, input unit, output unit, storage unit, first communication unit,second communication unit, etc. by electronic circuits, and realizes thephotography control unit, communication control unit, applicationmanagement unit, pairing state judgment unit, advertising signalgeneration unit, etc. by software (by executing programs stored in RAMor ROM by the CPU).

However, it may be adapted so as to realize a part or all of the variousfunctions constituted by electronic circuits with software, or configurea part or all of the various functions realized by software withelectronic circuits.

What is claimed is:
 1. A data processing system which executespredetermined data processing by a first apparatus that provides apredetermined function and a second apparatus that utilizes the functionprovided by the first apparatus, the system comprising: a first CPUincluded in the first apparatus and a second CPU included in the secondapparatus that link to execute the predetermined data processing; andcommunication circuitries included in each of the first apparatus andthe second apparatus, wherein the first CPU and the second CPUrespectively cause the first apparatus and the second apparatus totransition to a pairing state in which the first and second apparatusesare paired with each other, and cause the communication circuitriesincluded in each of the first apparatus and the second apparatus toestablish a communication connection between the first apparatus and thesecond apparatus having transitioned to the pairing state, and maintainthe communication connection between the first apparatus and the secondapparatus, even when the first apparatus and the second apparatus havingestablished the communication connection are not in a predeterminedoperation state capable of executing the predetermined data processing,wherein, when the first apparatus and the second apparatus havingtransitioned to the pairing state are not in the predetermined operationstate, the first CPU and the second CPU respectively cause the first andsecond apparatuses to transition to the predetermined operation state bytransmitting predetermined signals via the communication circuitriesbetween the first apparatus and the second apparatus, wherein the firstCPU and the second CPU cause the first apparatus and the secondapparatus to transition to the pairing state and link to each other,before the predetermined data processing starts, wherein, in causing thefirst apparatus and the second apparatus to transition to the pairingstate and establishing the communication connection, the first CPUcauses the communication circuitries included in the first apparatus totransmit, to the second apparatus, a signal having contents that changeaccording to whether the first apparatus is (i) in the pairing statewith the second apparatus or a pairing state with another apparatus or(ii) in an unpaired state, wherein the second CPU of the secondapparatus judges whether or not to cause the communication connection tobe established with the first apparatus based on the pairing state ofthe second apparatus, and based on the contents of the signaltransmitted from the first apparatus, and wherein the contents of thesignal that change include data indicating a device name of the firstapparatus, and data that is added to the data indicating the device nameaccording to whether the first apparatus is (i) in the pairing statewith the second apparatus or the pairing state with another apparatus or(ii) in the unpaired state.
 2. A data processing method executed by adata processing system including a first apparatus providing apredetermined function and a second apparatus utilizing the functionprovided by the first apparatus, the method comprising: executing apredetermined data processing by the first apparatus and the secondapparatus; causing the first apparatus and the second apparatus totransition to a pairing state in which the first and second apparatusesare paired with each other and establishing a communication connectionbetween the first apparatus and the second apparatus having transitionedto the pairing state, and maintaining the communication connectionbetween the first apparatus and the second apparatus, even when thefirst apparatus and the second apparatus having established thecommunication connection are not in a predetermined operation statecapable of executing the predetermined data processing; and causing thefirst and second apparatuses to transition to the predeterminedoperation state, when the first apparatus and the second apparatushaving transitioned to the pairing state are not in the predeterminedoperation state, by transmitting predetermined signals between the firstapparatus and the second apparatus, wherein the first apparatus and thesecond apparatus are paired and linked to each other before thepredetermined data processing starts, wherein causing the firstapparatus and the second apparatus to transition to the pairing state inwhich the first and second apparatuses are paired with each other andestablishing the communication connection between the first apparatusand the second apparatus includes: transmitting, from the firstapparatus to the second apparatus, a signal having contents that changeaccording to whether the first apparatus is (i) in the pairing statewith the second apparatus or a pairing state with another apparatus or(ii) in an unpaired state, and judging, by the second apparatus, whetheror not to cause the communication connection to be established with thefirst apparatus based on the pairing state of the second apparatus, andbased on the contents of the signal transmitted from the firstapparatus, and wherein the contents of the signal that change includedata indicating a device name of the first apparatus, and data that isadded to the data indicating the device name according to whether thefirst apparatus is (i) in the pairing state with the second apparatus orthe pairing state with another apparatus or (ii) in the unpaired state.